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974.502 P948prp 1852021
GBl^^ALQGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01148 5684
THE
CENTENNIAL SEBMON;
PREACHED BEFORE THE
BENKFICENT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND
SOCIETY, IN PROVIDENCE, R I.
MARCH 19, A. P., 1843.
BY REV. MARK TUCKER, D. D.
TOGETHER WITH THE
ARTICLES OF FAITH, COVENANT, &c. ; AND A LIST
OF MEMBERS OF SAID CHURCH.
PROVIDENCE: KNOWLES & VOSE, PRINTERS.
18 45.
.S5£C)2i
SERMON.
1. Samuel, 7 : 12.— " Then Samuel took a stone, and set it be- tween Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."
The prophet Samuel was a son of prayer. He was also a spiritual prince, who, like Israel, had power with God and with men, and prevailed. We have a remarkable instance of this in the context. Through the pride and wickedness of Hophni and Phineas, the priests, the people fell into idolatry and sins of the grossest character. This provoked the displeasure of the Almighty, and brought down divine judgments upon them. God delivered them into the hand of the Philistines. The ark, the symbol of his gracious presence and the pledge of his protection, Avas carried into a strange land.
The Philistines, however, were soon constrained to return it ; but it remained in obscurity in Israel. While it was neglected, vital religion declined, and the Philistines maintained their superiority. In the mean time Samuel arose, and set his heart upon ef-
fecting a reformation. He doubtless labored in pri- vate, and went from house to house through the tribes of Israel, setting before them their sins, re- minding them of their violated obligations, their neglected duties. His labors were not in vain, for we are told that all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord. That is the first step towards a re- formation. While a people neglect the means of grace, are devoted to idols, and at the same time remain indifferent and stupid, there is little hope in their case.
Previous to the ministry of Samuel, they had been contented with their altars without the ark, — so easily can formal professors of religion rest satis- fied with a round of external performances, without any sensible tokens of the divine presence and ap- probation. But at length, through the preaching of the prophet, accompanied with the efficacy of the divine Spirit, a disposition to repent and reform spread through all Israel, and they began again to serve the Lord. A^id Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the Lord luith all your hearts, then put aivay the strange gods from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him ojily : and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only ; and he wrought out for them a great and signal deliver- ance.
Dr. Lightfoot thinks this was as extraordinary a time for the manifestation of divine power in revi- ving rehgion, as any on record — that the wonderful work on the day of Pentecost only was parallel to it. An old divine very justly remarks, that '• it was better with Israel when they wanted the ark and were lamenting after it, than when they had the ark and were prying into it, and priding them- selves in it. Better see a people longing in the scarcity of the means, than loathing in the abun- dance of them."
A7id Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the Lord. They as- sembled, fasted and prayed : they confessed they had sinned against the Lord. While they were as- sembled together for prayer, the Philistines came out against them : And Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel, and the Lord Jieard him: And as Sam- uel was offering up the hurnt-offering, the PJiilis- tines drew near to battle against Israel: but the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.
It was on this memorable occasion that Samuel took a stone, and set it bettceen Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying. Hith- erto hath the Lord helped ns.
The literal signification of Eben-ezer is a stone of help. Samuel himself erected it, so that if the hearts of the people should become estranged from
God, or loose the impression made by that interpo- sition of Providence, the pillar would remind them of their obligation, and revive a remembrance of past favors ; or in case of their backsliding, it would remain a standing witness against them for their ingratitude.
We have assembled on this interesting occasion to erect a memorial, and as we review the dealings of divine providence with us, we may, with equal truth, write this inscription upon it. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.
It is now a century since this Church was form- ed ; it is believed few churches have passed through so many conflicts, lived through so many changes, experienced so many mercies, or had so iew pastors as. this, while it has never, for a day, been without an ordained minister, since the gospel was regularly established among them. It had but two ministers in ninety years — furnishing an instance on the one hand, of bodily vigor, intellectual power and ardent piety on the part of the ministers, and on the other, of stability, forbearance and christian feelino- on the part of the people, rarely equalled in New-Eng- land.
As a church, looking back upon the long line of our history, during which period some local churches formed at the same time have become extinct, and others abandoning the fundamental doctrines of the gospel, have ceased to be acknowledged as christian churches, we may adopt the language of the Apos-
tie, and say — Havhig obtained help of God, we re- main till the present time.
This Church, as a separate organization, cair.o into existence at one of the most interesting periods of the religious history of New-England — the pe- riod of " the Great Awakening," when the slum- ber of ages was broken up, when the Spirit of God clothed with verdure the waste places of Zion, when the good seed of the word sowed by men of other days, and which had long been " buried in the dust" of formality and unbelief, was quickened into life, when an influence as pervading and genial as that of Spring in repairing the desolations of win- ter and giving a new and lovely aspect to the face of nature, was felt in the church, both in the old and the new world. That was a stirring period, and the revival of that day was a wonderful work. It gave both existence to this church, and "color and cast" to its character. As " God is in history," a full and correct account of its origin could not be given, without referring to the state of religion in the churches at that time, together with the means and instrumentalities employed to revive it.
The character of the early settlers of New-Eng- land is well known. God " sifted three kidgdoms to plant" this virgin soil with a right seed. And never has the world seen such a harvest of piety, benevolence, learning and morality. But the ten- dency of every thing human is to deterioration. While the order of the churches they planted re-
8
mained, while the colleges they established contin- ued to send out learned men, the spirit of piety de- clined. They retained the form of godliness with- out its power. Many churches had a name to live, and were dead. Not a few of the public teachers of religion were unconverted men ; they ceased to preach the truth in a clear, full and discriminating manner ; some became Arminians, encouraged a self- ish religion, and connived at a lax practice. The consequence was, that for more than half a century previous to " the great awakening," which com- menced in 1734, the glory of the Lord, as seen in the converting influences of the Spirit, was in a great measure withheld from the ministrations of the sanctuary.
Arminianism has ever had the same disastrous in- fluence on the spirituality of the church, that Po- pery has exerted on the prosperity of England.* . The same doctrines Avhich stirred the church from I her very depths, and brought about the Reforma- | tion of the 16th Century, Avere blessed in producing \ a second revolution in the 18th. '<
A Congregational Church was established in this I city in the year 1728, of which the Rev. Josiah ^ Cotton was the first minister. Seven years before. eflforts were made to erect a house of worship and \ establish the institutions of the gospel, but without success. The eftort, though it failed, was creditable to the people, who were few in number and poor in
* See Croly on the Apocalypse — Preface.
this world's goods. In 1723, a meeting house (which yet stands and is known as the Town House) was erected, and the Rev. Samuel Moody, celebra- ted for his piety, and known from the high recom- mendations of Whitefield, as a venerable and holy man, preached for the friends of Congregational order in their new house. He was then the pastor of a chm-ch of Christ in York, Me. He was invi- ted to settle in this town, but his people refused to part with him, and he declined the invitation.
For many of the dates and facts in this discourse, I am indebted to an interesting '• Report," present- ed to this Church at an annual meeting, in Novem- ber, 1832, drawn up with great care and fidelity by Deacon Wm. C. Snow, the Clerk.
The church, under Mr. Cotton, like many other churches in New-England, became formal and luke- warm. For several years, few additions were made to it. In December, 1734, '-'the Spirit of God," to use the words of President Edwards, " began ex- traordinarily to set in and wonderfully to work among" the people of Northampton, Mass.; "and there were very suddenly, one after another, five or six persons, who were to all appearance, savingly converted, and some of them wrought upon in a very remarkable manner."
The report of the state of things at Northampton, spread into other towns, throughout the colonies, and from the state of deadness in the churches, pro- duced various results. Some were roused by it, be-
10
<Tan to huiDble themselves and call upon God ; oth- ers " seemed not to know what to make of it," many ridiculed it, " and some compared what we called -conversion, to certain distempers." About the same time, there was an awakening in New- Jersey, princijxilly in connection with the labors of William and Gilbert Tennent.
In 1741, Gilbert Tennent came into New-Eng- land, and preached with great power and success. His preaching in Boston was numerously attended. It was, we believe, in the course of that year he came to this Town. As he was the instrument in the hand of God, of the conversion of Mr. Snow, the first pastor of this church, and his visit to this place led to the establishment of this church, it may be proper to give a brief account of the character and preaching of one who exerted so great an influ- ence upon the destiny of so many here.
This we are able to do in the language of the Rev. Thomas Prince, junior pastor of the Old South Church, Boston, at that time ; a most unexceptiona- ble witness. He says: "He (Mr. T.) did not at first come up to my expectation, but afterwards ex- ceeded it. In private converse with him, I found him to be a man of considerable parts and learning; free, gentle, contlescending ; and, from his own va- rious experience, reading the most noted writers on experimental divinity, as well as the Scriptures, and conversing with many who had been awakened by his ministry in New- Jersey, where he then lived, he
11
seemed to have as deep an acquaintance with the experimental part of religion, as any I have con- versed with ; and his preaching was as searching and rousing as ever I heard."
" He seemed to have no regard to please the eyes of his hearers with agreeable gestures, nor their ears with delivery, nor their fancy with language ; but to aim directly at their hearts and consciences, to lay open their ruinous delusions, show them their numerouSj secret, hypocritical shifts in religion, and drive them out of every deceitful refuge wherein they made themselves easy, with the form of godli- ness without the power. And many who were pleased in a good conceit of themselves before, now found, to their great distress, they were only self- deceived hypocrites. And though while the dis- covery was making, some at firsit raged, as they have owned to me and others, yet in the progress of the discovery, many were forced to submit ; and then the power of God so broke and humbled them that they wanted a further and even a thorough dis- covery ; they went to hear him, that the secret cor- ruptions and delusions of their hearts might be more discovered ; and the more searching the sermon, the more acceptable it was to their anxious minds."
" From the terrible and deep convictions he had passed through in his own soul, he seemed to have such a lively view of the divine majesty, the spir- ituality, purity, extensiveness and strictness of his law ; with his glorious holiness, and displeasure at
12
sin, his justice, truth and power in punishing the damned, that the very terrors of God seemed to rise in his mind afresh, when he displayed and bran- dished them in the eyes of unreconciled sinners. And though some could not bear the representation, and avoided his preaching ; yet the arrows of con- viction, by his ministry, seemed so deeply to pierce the hearts of others, and even some of the most stubborn sinners, as to make them fall down at the feet of Christ, and yield a lowly submission to him."
Mr. Prince says, hundreds were awakened under Mr. Tennent's searching preaching.
When Mr. Tennent came to this town, Mr. Jo- seph Snow, Jr., afterwards the pastor of this church, was a member of Mr, Cotton's church ; he had been a member three years. His father also was a member. Mr. Snow often related in public the cir- cumstances of his conversion. The text of Mr. Tennent's sermon which was blessed to Mr. Snow, was Gal. 2 : 16. Knowing that a man is not jus- tified bij the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law, for by the loorks of the laio shall no flesh be justified.
Mr. Snow was an exemplary young man ; he re- lied upon his morality, and had supposed that his own righteousness was a sufficient ground of hope. The sermon swept away all his hope, laid bare his
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head, convinced him of sin, and left him under the condemnation of the law. For a long time, he felt himself to be under the wrath and curse of God. Others were similarly wrought upon. The preach- ing of Mr. Tennent awakened opposition on the part of the self-righteous and the irreligious. The result was, that after a long season of trial and con- flict, in which there doubtless mingled much infir- mity and bitterness on both sides, nearly one half of the church withdrew from Mr. Cotton's ministry. In the view of these members, as we gatlier from charges tabled against him, found on the original records of the church then formed, his preaching was deficient in spirit and doctrine, savoring too much of Arminianism. They accused him of preaching salvation by works, which they termed "damnable doctrine." On the records of Mr. Cot- ton's church it is written, " On the 7th of March, 1743, about half the church, with many of the con- gregation, withdrew, and " set up a separate meet- ing, where they attended the exhortation of a lay brother, who had been brought up in the business of house carpentry." The record further states, that they were entertained on the Lord's day with loud vociferous declarations of the downfall of Babylon, and the necessity of coming out and being sepa- rate, and not touching the unclean. Such like ex- hortations were liberally held out and freely ; for hirelings, in their esteem, were the bane of the church."
3
14
I give this extract to show the spirit of those who remained, and tlic manner in which they spoke of their brethren. The records of the "separate" church contain nothing to warrant such assertions. Mr. Snow does not apjjear to have been forward in his exhortations. Tiie meetings were conducted by the brethren ; and the testimony on all hands is, that they were a pious, praying band. They were greatly persecuted, their meetings were disturbed, evil minded persons even sewed their clothes to- gether, and annoyed tliem in every way. They were called '-'new lights." They did not hesitate to acknowledge they had received new light ; and when they remembered how long they had slum- bered in unbelief, with a name to live when they were dead, they could never sufficiently express their gratitude to God for awaking them out of sleep and bringing them into his marvellous light.
It was my happiness, when first settled in the ministry, to be connected with a "new light" church, which in 1752 was organized in Canaan, Conn., and soon after migrated in a body with their pastor, to Stillwater, New- York, a place subsequent- ly celebrated in the war of the Revolution ; it was a church distinguished for soundness of doctrine and correctness of practice. At one time, it con- tained seventy-five direct descendants of their first, excellent and venerable pastor.
That there were extravagancies and improprieties in those who were converted under the preaching of
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Whitefield, Tennent, Wheelock, and others who travelled extensively in Ne u'-- En gland, cannot be doubted : nor can there be a doubt that a great and good work of grace was effected by the instrumen- tality of these men. So general was the interest awakened throughout the length and breadth of the land, that near one hundred ministers, from various parts of New-England, met in Boston, on two dif- ferent occasions, to consult in relation to the work. They published to the world their views and opin- ions in the form of " A Testimony and Advice," in which they expressed the fullest conviction of the greatness and genuineness of the Avork, while they counselled the churches to avoid all bitterness and recrimination, which might end in divisions. They also insisted strongly upon the observance of order in the churches. This instrument was signed by Mr. Cotton, as well as others, as " Pastor of a chm'ch in Providence," with this addition — " to the general scope and tendency." Where irregularities prevailed, doubts would be entertained. Some pas- tors and chm-ches opposed the work and wrote against it. Among these was Dr. Chauncy, of Bos- ton, who afterwards showed what manner of spirit he was of, by writing a book in favor of " Univer- sal Salvation," which was ably and triumphantly answered by the younger President Edwards. Dr. Chauncy's conduct was like that of a commander of a garrison, who meditates treason ; if he cannot betray the citadel, he will flee and spike the cannon.
16
The conduct of divine Providence, in relation to those churches which opposed the work, was mark- ed ad jxiculiar ; they were never blessed till the last of that generation died.
It may be said with truth, that the doctrine of justification by faith, the doctrine which Luther preached, and which shook the papal throne, and revolutionized half of Europe — which Whitfield and Wesley preached in England with such surpri- sing effect, was the foundation of this church. The original members believed in it fully ; it was incor- porated in their religious experience ; and they in- sisted that all who were received into their com- munion, should give a reason of the hope that was in them with meekness and fear.
The number of those who separated from Mr. Cotton, was twenty-five — ten males and fifteen fe- males— the whole chiuch being but a handful. The \ first entrance upon their records, (which for many I years were kept by Mr. Joseph Snow, Sen. ) con- I tains a full account of their labor with Mr. Cotton, i together with a vote of his exclusion from the min- < istry. Several attempts were made to call a coun- I cil, but to no purpose. Mr. Cotton continued to 5 exercise his ministry and administer the ordinances. 1 On the 6th of March. 1745, the record states, a le- I gal church meeting was held, when it was thought \ proper and expedient, in view of the division of \ the church, "that the members of this church should renew their covenant solemnly before God ;"
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" and passed a vote that every member should be examined concerning their knowledge and experi- ence of the work of grace and of their faith ; and those who give such an account thereof as that, in the judgment of charity, they are accounted true believers, shall be admitted to sign the covenant and have a right to partake, and bring their children, under their care, to baptism."
They '' voted that they would take the word of God, and the Congregational Platform, drawn up by the united churches in the Colonies of New-Eng- land, met at Cambridge, in the year of our Lord 1648, to be their rule of discipline, explaining only a paragraph or two, which are disputed by some : as in Platform, chap. 10, sec. 2 : We think the power of an officer in the church, being derived from the church, is subordinate to the church ; and that all determinations in the church are to be made by a vote ; and that every male member of the church, being present at a church meeting orderly called where they belong, have an equal right to vote, whether officer or not officer ; and that the major part of the voters then present, being agreed, determines the matter. And as to the power of the Magistrates, mentioned in the eleventh and seven- teenth chapters, we are willing to submit to them in the Lord ; but yet notwithstanding we cannot think God sends any to lord it over the consciences of his children."
18
At that meeting, Joseph Snow, Jr. was " appro- ved of this churchy and desired to preach."
On the 3d day of February, the " churcli being legally notified, met in order to choose church offi- cers, and to do what they should think proper in I order to a regular settlement. The meeting being opened by prayer, they proceeded as follows : — first,. \ they unanimously ratified and confirmed their choice i of Deacon Joseph Snow, made the 14th day of Oc- j tober, 1 743, to be their ruling elder ; and 2d, they I now made choice of Benjamin Gary, to be one of \ their deacons. On the 10th of February, Barzillai Richmond was chosen to be another of their dea- s cons. Meetings for humiliation and prayer were \ held for divine direction in the choice of a minister. I Four meetings were held for that purpose, when on " the 20th of October, 1746, they made choice of 1 Joseph Snow, Jr., to be their minister; after three I months, he was not ready to give them an answer, I notwithstanding the repeated fastings and prayer made by him and the church, that his duty might ! be made plain to him." They "^appointed the 23d { of January, 1747, to be kept as a fast. They met together and spent the day in supplication and prayer, that his duty might be made plain to him ; and in the close of the day he gave them his an- { swer, and accepted of their call," to take that charge upon him ; desiring their prayers for him i that he may be found faithful. Then they rejoiced, ( sang and praised God and prayed. After consulta-
19
tion, they appointed his ordination to be on the 12th of February, 1747, and agreed to send to five churches in Connecticut, viz : Canterbury, Plain- field, Mansfield, Norwich and Stonington."
Some interesting facts are related as to the way in which Mr. Snow was convinced it was his duty to accept the call of this church. His piety, strict conscience, humility and prayerfulness, appear in the history of this affair. And a long and faithful ministry prove that he was an eminent christian, a man of God, a good minister of the New Testament. His ordination took place at the time appointed. I find no mention in the records of the erection of a house of worship.
It appears, as stated in the "Annual Report," re- ferred to, that the members connected with Mr. Snow, soon took measures to erect a place of wor- ship ; and in their religious ardor, their pastor, with some of his principal members, repaired to the for- est and cut the timber, and with their own hands erected the house which formerly occupied the spot whereon this edifice now stands." The house was built in 1748 or 1750. The original dimensions were 36 by 40 feet. It was twice enlarged before it was removed.
We may gather something of the character and feelings of this church from a letter sent, about this time, to a new church in Bridgewater, Mass. It is dated "Providence, May 8th, 1749."
The Congregational Church of Christ, in Prov-
20
idence, to the beloved brethren in Bridgewater, who sent to us witliout distinction, as a church of Christ, whom we suppose to be gathered out of some other church or churches in Bridgewater. We, having taken your letter into serious consideration, with considerable clearness of mind, oneness of heart, in answer to your request, have sent our pastor, Jo- sejih Snow, and one of our Deacons, Barzillai Rich- mond, by whom we send our opinion. In order to have fellowship with you in your proceedings, please inform those our brethren as folio weth : first, whether you withdrew from the churches to which you did belong, according to the rule of the gos- pel ; secondly, whether you are fitly framed to- gether and built up a spiritual house upon the foun- dation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone ; thirdly, whether you have seen the gospel rule pointing out your brother, Samuel Hyde, to be your pastor, and have seen him stand visibly clothed with the qualifications of a Bishop, and your other offi- cers respectively ; and if your steps thus far have been upon the divine rule, then proceed to examine the person you have elected, as to his closing with Christ by a true and living faith ; secondly, as to his principles ; 3dly, as to his practice ; 4thly, as to his mission," meaning his call to the ministry; '* Sthly, as to his qualifications ; and upon the whole, if it appear that the person chosen, and the people are respectively qualified, divinely instructed in,
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and well grounded upon, the Holy Scriptures, the only rule of faith and practice ; — then verily we may join in fellowship with them, to proceed as the Lord shall direct. But we forbid and condemn all proceedings contrary to this blessed rule of the gos- pel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These our sentiments, with our tender love and hearty desire for your wel- fare, and asking a remembrance in your prayers, we subscribe oiu'selves your brethren in the Lord. JOSEPH SNOW, Jr., In behalf of the Church."
Such a document speaks well for the church. We discover no symptoms of extravagance or dis- order. We may say of all who abide by such rules, peace he on them.
Their views of christian walk and conversation, we may ascertain from an article in their covenant. " We do solemnly promise, by the help of God's Holy Spirit, mutually to watch over one another in brotherly love and tenderness, by reproofs and ad- monitions, as Christ hath enjoined us, according to our several places. We will oppose all sin in our- selves and others, as far as in us lies, all carnal mii'th or recreation, chambering and wantonness, idleness, sensuality, and all other sins forbidden in the holy scriptures, renouncing the world, the flesh and the devil, and all appearance of evil for Christ's sake."
The records furnish abundant evidence that the church walked together in love ; they were strict
22
ill the observance of discipline ; proof, this, of their fidelity alike to Christ and each other. If any ab- stained from the communion, they were called to account. Idleness and gossiping were discounte- nanced in an express manner.
The gifts of the members were to be improved by the approbation, and for the edification of the church. The influence of this rule has been felt through the whole history of this church. It has been distinguished for the number of individuals, who, without a liberal education, have excelled in exhortation. Their conference meetings, from the beginning, have been characterized by freedom and earnestness, spirit and appropriateness. The bless- ing of God has ever rested upon them ; a large por- tion of the thousand members which have joined on confession, have referred to these meetings as the place where they were either awakened or con- verted. Like the Church of Corinth, they all came together for mutual edification. Scenes often took place which are thus described by an Apostle : But if all prophesy, preach, or exhort, when met together, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is jitdg- edof all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest : and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God, and report that God is in you \ of a truth.
In December, 1768, and January, 1769, some im- portant regulations were adopted, which are so
23
chai-acteristic, that the history of this church could not be considered full, were they to be omitted. At a quarterly meeting, " inquiry was made into the state of the Church Treasury — upon which it was considered whether it was not our duty to come into some better regulation about our temporal af- fairs ; and after much conversation upon the point, and searching the scriptures for light, believing that our circumstances as a church, on temporal accounts, were in some respects like the case of the church recorded, Acts 6 : 12, it was agreed, that it was pro- per to look out seven men of honest report and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business ; accordingly we chose seven, including our deacons, viz : Barzillai Richmond, Benjamin Gushing, Nich- olas Cooke, Dea. Stephen Rawson, Dea. John Field, Bernard Eddy, Samuel French : which seven brethren are to inspect into, and advise with, and assist to regulate the temporal affairs of any mem- ber or members of the church, whose conduct (ac- cording to the divine rule) appears to them irregu- lar, with the consent of the church, (1,) to see that each member is employed in some lawful calling, either for their own or for their family's support ; and that none are idle in their callings, Eph. 4 : 28, hut rathe?' let him labor', working ivith his hands ; that he may have to give to him that needeth ; Prov. 19 : 15, an idle soul shall suffer hunger ; 1 Thess. 4:11, study to he quiet and to do your oto?i busi- ness, and to ivork with your own hands as we com-
24
mandcd you. (2.) To see that the head of each family belonging to the church, properly regulates and provides for his own house, 1 Tim. 5:8. 1 Tim. 2 : 9. In like manner also, that women ' adorn themselves with modest apparel. (3.) To regulate the manner of the church collections, either by subscription or otherwise ; and proportion such sums as the church shall think proper to appoint for the support of the Elder for the year, and to see that each member do his part of said sum proportion- ed, according to what he hath. 1 Cor. 9 : 13, 14. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple, and they which wait at the altar are pa7'takers with the altar ; eve7i so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel, should live of the gospel. 2 Cor. 8 : 13, 14. For Im,ean not that other men be eased and you burdened, but by an equality. (4.) And to have the care of all other collections that the church shall think necessary to order, either for the poor or any other objects ; as also of all donations ; and see that all such moneys or other things, are properly appropriated to the uses they were intend- ed ; and that a record be kept of what each mem- ber contributes, that it may appear that each doth his proportion of all necessary expenses. 1 Cor. 16 : 2. Let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath "prospered him. Acts 4 : 35. And dis- tribution was made unto every man according as he had need. (5.) And that you render an ac-
25
count to the church of your proceedings in receiv- ing in, and distributing out, of the church bounty, at least once a year or oftener, at some quarterly meeting as you think proper. 1 Cor. 8 : 21. Pro- viding for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, hut also in the sight of men.^'
This committee of seven iTien, with like powers and responsibilities, continues to this day ; nor could the appointment fail to exert a salutary influence upon the church.
In February, 1799, " The church considered it the duty of each male member to give in a proper and honest account of their worldly circumstances ; unto the above said seven brethren, that they may be the better capacitated to regulate the proportion of each one in defraying the necessary charges of the church.
It appears from the early history of the Puritan churches established in New-England, it was their custom to appoint Ruling Elders, to assist the stated Pastor in his work ; so that many churches, though \ smaller and weaker than churches of this day, had, 1 in fact, the labors of two public teachers ; so highly did they value religious privileges. All large churches would reap more than double benefit by such a regulation.
On the 29th of April, 1773, '' At a church meet- ing, the Pastor proposed, that considering his often infirmities, whether it was not the duty of the church to choose a Ruling Elder, to assist the Pas-
3
26
tor 111 watching over the members, and keeping order in the church ; and to lead in public worship in the Pastor's absence ; and in other affairs as cir- cumstances may require. When after a proper con- sideration, the church unanimously chose brother Barzillai Richmond, a Ruling Elder, to assist as above, which he accepted."
In 1786, the enemy came in like a flood, in the shape of carnal mirth and recreation, heresy and fatal error ; but the Spirit of the Lord lifted up a standard against him. The church bore decided testimony against heresy and all disorderly walk, and cut off the delinquent members.
The amiable and catholic spirit which this church has ever manifested towards other evangelical Christians, is beautifully illustrated by the following incident :
" At a church meeting, Aug. 17, 1787, our bro- ther Joseph Grafton, having requested a dismission from our church, the same was taken under delib- erate consideration. Resolved, that as we have recommended him as a preacher of the gospel for more than two years past, and his labours to this day appear to be well accepted among the brethren, and we trust for the good of others ; and as he thinks it is his duty to give himself wholly to the work ; that if a door should be opened in divine Providence for his settlement in any one place, or if he should choose to be sent out to preach the gospel at large, either of which we give him liber-
27
ty ; but as his mind at present seems to be strait- ened in respect to his holding visible communion with churches in the Congregational order, and he desires to be dismissed from us unto some other church, which thing (all things considered) we comply with ; and though at present he appears not so cordial to commune with all the churches which we believe our blessed Lord appears visibly to com- mune with, yet we feel charity and tenderness to- wards our brother, and excepting this one point as above, we fully recommend him to all the churches in general, or to any church in particular that he may join with, and so consider him as a proper member of that church when he hath joined with them, unto whom we now dismiss him."
With little from without to distract them, they walked together in harmony ; and when any thing occurred to disturb them, they evinced a spirit of conciliation and forbearance. I find the following record, dated Jan. 24th, 1788 :
" At a church meeting agreed as followeth —
' whereas, there hath been uneasiness in the church ^
about the manner of our singing upon the Sabbatl? ; I
having collected the minds of the brethren, we i
unanimously condescend to each other, and agree >
that our singers be subject to the church.' " |
Five or six resolutions were then passed with a \
view to improve that important part of the services I of the sanctuary.
During the long struggle and stirring scenes of
28
the American Revolution, they kept up the public institutions of tlie gospel. Under date of Sept. 30th, 1791, I find the following characteristic rec- ord :
" At a church meeting it was considered that our I brother Henry Bacon, under his infirmities, could i not perform his office as Deacon, he desired the { church to choose one in his room ; upon which the I church, after some time of consideration, Resolved as followetli, that whereas, we find in the character of Deacons, 1 Tim. 3d chap., that they must be first proved, we therefore now appoint our brother Joseph Fuller, as a candidate to act and do in this church as a Deacon ; and if found blameless, to be put into that office in proper time."
My object thus far, in tracing the history of this church has been, to give a connected view of the causes which have made it 2vhat it is. It has stood in the midst of a world of darkness, a pyramid of light ; in the midst of a crooked and perverse gene- ration, a faithful witness to the truth.
The men who laid the foundation and shared the early fortunes of this church, adhering to it in its small beginning, in its struggles and conflicts, its progress and enlargement, and left it at their death a flourishing branch of the household of faith, de- serve to be had in everlasting remembrance. The names of Richmond, Gushing, Cooke, Rawson, Field, Eddy, French and Fuller should be cherish- ed and held in veneration by the friends of Zion.
29
The stream of time, as it rolls over them, wiU only make them more venerable.
Those suns are set, O when shall other such arise ?"'
One name among the hallowed list deserves par- ticular notice — that of the excellent pastor, who for near sixty years went in and out before them in so blameless a manner, breaking unto them the bread
of life. Elder Snow was no common man. He \
was in early life distinguished for the pureness of ]
his morals and the energy of his character. He ^
had strong points. After his conversion, to which \
we have already referred, he devoted himself to the I
service of God with a steadiness which never wa- |
vered, a zeal which never tired, a conscientiousness ;
which impressed the world with awe. His very >
appearance attracted attention and commanded re- <
spect. He was a self-made man, never having re- i
ceived a liberal education. He followed for some >
years a mechanical pursuit, but his active mind ac- i
cumulated stores of sound theological knowledge. \
He was neat in his person, methodical in his habits, ■
untiring in his labors. |
His doctrines were drawn from the Bible, which >
he studied on his knees ; they were a part of his <
wonderful christian experience. His preaching was i
of the stamp of Tennent's, his spiritual guide. The j
character which Mr. Prince gave of Tennent, Avith \
slight modifications, would apply to Mr. Snow. \ Though not a legal preacher, yet he preached the
law in its broad demands and hia;h sanctions, that \
w
30
the sin of the heart might be ferreted out, that every imiDerfection of the life miglit be detected, that the honest reproof and faithful application, thou art the man, might be responded to by the accusing con- science, and the condemned sinner sue for mercy. His voice and action in the pulpit showed him to be in earnest in his Master's cause. He lived to an advanced age, and died in the triumphs of faith, showing his " ruling passion strong in death."
His memorial is in heaven, but he left on earth monuments of faithfiilfulness which remained to this day. Some seals of his ministry yet continue among the saints below, who have stood firm amidst defections and changes, waiting for their release from a body of sin. His eulogy was pronounced by his venerable friend and fellow laborer in the gospel. Dr. Gano, of the first Baptist Church in this •city, who was much attached to him.
We give a few extracts from that excellent ser- mon which exhibited in a striking manner " the dying prospects of the faithful gospel minister."
" If uniform piety, unshaken faith in the divine government, a persevering attachment to the reli- gion of Jesus Christ, an ardent love to the souls of men, an exemplary life of godliness, and a sweet, serene composure in prospect of the ap- proaching dissolution of the body, give evidence of being approved of God, we may justly conclude our friend and father in the gospel is now mingling his songs of praise among the spirits of the just
31
made perfect, enjoying the reward promised to the faithful laborer."
" Early in life, his heart was captivated by the grace of the gospel, and for almost lifty-eight years he labored in the field of the gospel ministry. Many and severe were the trials he was called to experience in the faithful discharge of his ministe- rial duties ; but he constantly maintained the good fight of faith. He was truly a warm, zealous ad- vocate and defender of the truths of divine revela- tion. As he believed, so he spake. The doctrine of divine sovereignty — the moral depravity and guilt of the human heart, as naturally averse to, and des- titute of any spiritual good — the necessity of the almighty and efficacious influence of the Holy Spirit to renovate the unregenerate heart — the cer- tainty of the saints being kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation — the necessity of holiness of life in believers, as evidential of their love to God, and the means by which they were | made meet for glory — were the leading truths of his preaching. In fine, he was the plain bible preacher, who earnestly sought to win souls to Je- sus Christ, that they might be saved, and his bless- ed Master glorified."'
" As through life he fought the good fight of faith, so in death he manifested an adherence to the same precious faith, and was willing to be gone, that he might be with Jesus. In conversation, not long before his decease, speaking of his willingness
32
to die when it should please God to call him, he said, ' I know if I stay here, it will only be to get deeper in debt to sovereign grace.' It was the free, unmerited grace of God in Christ upon which he was willing to trust his immortal all. You, who sat under his ministry, know how he nourished and cherished — how he warned, exhorted and entreated j you with fraternal care and anxiety. The pros- \ perity of Zion was his chief joy. A departure \ from the faith and life of a christian, in the profes- sors of religion, filled his heart Avith pain and \ grief." \
Such, as we learn from a most unquestioned \
source, was the first minister of this church ; and ]
even we, at this day, have occasion to bless God for \
the faith and patience of such a servant of Christ, \
whose labors, so long continued, were not, to the \
last, in vain in the liOrd. \
The stability of a church depends upon the doc- >
trines it contains in its creed, and the bodying forth \
of those doctrines in the experience and life of its \
members. We have seen that this church was ■; founded in prayer, was built upon the doctrines of
Christ and the Apostles, the reformers and puritan •
fathers, that its first pastor and early members were \
men of deep personal piety, of great simplicity of \
character and high moral courage. They adhered \
strictly to the gospel rule in the usages of the \
church and the exercise of discipline. They walk- \
ed together in great harmony for nearly fifty years, \
33
keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
The infirmities of the aged pastor admonished him that his time of departure was at hand. He fell into a common mistake of aged ministers, that of continuing his ministrations after his intellectual and bodily powers had failed. One evil consequence resulting to the church, was the neglect of disci- pline. Its affairs were left at loose ends.
The Charter, by which this society became a body corporate, by the name of the Beneficent Congregational Society, was obtained in 1785 ; it was preceded by the following declaration :
" To all Christian people who shall see these pres- ents, Be it known, That we whose names are here- under written, members of the Congregational So- ciety on the west side of the river in said Provi- dence, of which the Rev. Joseph Snow is the pres- ent Pastor, taking into serious consideration the great importance of a due administration of the gos- pel and its ordinances, both to ourselves and to pos- terity, as also considering the necessty of provision being made for the decent support of our said Pas- tor, and succeeding Pastors in said Society, do most solemnly and cheerfully engage, that we will enter into a society or body corporate, by the name of the Beneficent Congregational Society, in order to raise a certain fund by voluntary subscriptions, contribu- tions, &c., of ourselves and such other persons as may hereafter join us ; the interest of which fund
34
may become in due time sufficient for the purpose aforesaid, and other charitable uses, and that we will petition the General Assembly of this State for a charter of incorporation for that purpose, conscious of the rectitude of our intentions, and beseeching the great Head of the Church, that he would be pleased to smile on and prosper these our benevo- lent intentions, that this institution may become useful to ourselves, a lasting blessing to posterity, and to the honor of our glorious Redeemer. Signed by
SAMUEL BUTLER, HENRY BACON, NATPL4NIEL JACOBS, JONATHAN JENKINS, JOSEPH MARTIN, THOMAS JONES,
(Original subsbribers. ) In 17S9, Mr. Snow then being seventy-four years of age, requested a colleague, but the church did not comply with the request ; he renewed his re- quest the following year, and they acceded to it. Several persons preached as candidates, none of whom were acceptable.
In 1791, Rev. James Wilson, who subsequently became pastor of this church, came to this town. His visit was providential, as he left Ireland with a view to go to Baltimore, in Maryland, where his relatives resided. His preaching, being a stranger and a foreigner, excited attention. The impression soon became general that he was the man to become
^;?^
35
a colleague with the aged pastor. Having left the Wesleyan connexion, he considered himself an In- dependent. He was not a member of any ecclesi- astical body.
'•' We have now arrived at a period in the history of this church," to use the words of the Report, "which to our fathers was of the most trying na- ture ; this heretofore happy and prosperous church was now about to be severed in twain."
The causes of the separation are to be regretted, while He who causeth the wrath of man to praise him, overruled it for good. Another church was formed of the same order, which has " stood for the defence of the truth."
It is a singular coincidence, that each of the Re- cords of the two chiu"ches commences with a de- tailed account of the trial and suspension of their minister. By a sort of retribution, Mr. Snow, who in early life assisted in cutting off Mr. Cotton from the communion, was himself excluded by a part of the church who had so long adhered to him. Dif- ference in religious sentiment was the avowed cause of his opposition to Mr. Wilson. After hav- ing preached for fifty years the discriminating doc- trines of the gospel, he felt unwilling to leave his church under the instruction of one who did not harmonize with him in doctrinal views.
I find the following record, which contains the first intimation in the history of the church of a change in religious sentiment. It is dated Sept.
36
19, 1792. More than a year after Mr. Wilson be- gan to preach to them.
" At a church meeting it was considered, where- as, some of our members appeared not so weh sat- isfied with some words in the third article of our confession of faith ; though it was not in our power to alter any words without the consent of all the members ; but when all the members present at the meeting and those that were absent, being consulted, the matter was determined by these two questions : (1.) Whether you approve of the alteration proposed to be made in the third article of our Confession of Faith, namely, ' that we believe that God hath foreseen and permitted sin ; and hath declared the end from the beginning, saying, my counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.' (2.) Are you determined to abide by our confession of faith and covenant, and from this day, by divine assistance, renewedly engage to attend unto and live according to our solemn covenant engagements? Answered in the affirmative."
The disastrous effects of the division grew out of the wrong feeling indulged. If brethren cannot walk together in love, and cannot exercise conde- scension in the same spiritual family, they should separate, and like Paul and Barnabas, labor in differ- ent fields. The whole vineyard is the Lord's, and we may labor any where. To oppose one another, to pull down one church to strengthen another, is alike unwise and unchristian. For years the
37
churches formed by the separation in 1793, kept aloof from each other, greatly to the injury of the cause of Christ, and to their own prejudice. They are now in harmony, and the members may learn a salutary lesson by the review. We have no desire to recur to those days of bitterness and strife. The chief actors, saved by grace, are now, we trust, among the just made perfect.
After Mr. Snow and part of his people had with- drawn, a convention was held and steps were taken to organize the church anew. Great harmony pre- vailed ; a spirit of forbearance was manifested on the part of the majority who remained. Their minister had left them, still they acknowledged themselves under his care.
The record states, " that at a meeting of the Congregational Church, held on the west side of the salt river in Providence, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Joseph Snow, duly warned, and held at the house of our brother Joseph Fuller, on the 25th of April, 1793, Joseph Martin, Moderator, it was resolvedy first, That the members present are the true, proper, and legal church described in the above words.
Second, That this church has heretofore been greatly negligent and remiss in the exercise of the powers of government and discipline, that exclu- sively belong to this church, as a congregational church, and that in consequence of such neglect, great disorders have taken place in the church, to
38
the great hindrance of the prosperity of this \ church.
I Third, That in order to restore peace and good I order in the church, and for the promotion of the \ honor of God, and the cause of true religion. We i will innnediately resume such government and dis- i cipline ; and that in order to carry into effect the I above resolutions, wc do hereby direct our beloved \ brethren of the church committee, to immediately j wait on our Pastor, and request him to notify a meet- i ing of the church, to be held at the house of Jo- \ seph Fuller, on the 25th of this instant, April, at i four o'clock, P. M., and in case he refuses to notify one, that our brethren of the committee cause a J meeting to be notified at the next public meeting. \ Fourth, That at said meeting, before any other business is done, we will choose a Moderator for I the time being, to conduct the business of the meet- j ing, and will also choose a clerk to keep the future i records of the church.
Fifth, That the present committee, to wit. : our beloved brothers, Nathaniel Jacobs, John Field, Jo- seph Martin, Jonathan Jenkins, Joseph Fuller, and Thomas Jones, be and are hereby continued in office until others are appointed in their stead ; and that a majority of said committee be, and they are hereby invested with the authority of the church, to call church meetings, and to prepare matters to be acted on at said meetings."
The present constitution of the church was
39
adopted at the same meeting — a document which contains important principles, worthy the high character, sound sense and established piety of the \ venerable men who framed and adopted it. [See \ Constitution, p. 53.]
The Articles of Faith and Covenant, were adopt- I ed on the 19th of July, 1793, to which, within a few days, thirty-two members added their names, 1 twenty-one males and eleven females ; but two of whom now remain.
Those names, few indeed, transferred we trust to \ the book of life, should be preserved and be had in I grateful remembrance. They were good men, full of the spirit of grace and love, who re-organized this church. The venerable Nathaniel Jacobs stood \ at their head. He was admitted to the church in \ 1745, and continued a member until his death, in i 1807, a period of sixty-two years. As he ascended to heaven, some of his brethren caught his falling mantle, and exhibited the same heavenly spirit. \ Among those names are found John Field, Joseph Martin, Joseph Fuller, Benjamin Hoppin, Samuel ; Proud, Thomas Jones, John Perrin, Stephen Ward- I well, and others — names which this church will i cherish ; they are embalmed in our grateful recol- \ lection. They left the impress of their spirit and character upon the usages and regulations of the church. At first they were called to struggle with many difficulties, and if they did not pass through fiery trials, yet they were greatly perplexed, but the
40
Lord was with tliem ; they maintained their integ- rity, and adhered firmly to their excellent minister, who, on the 11th of September, 1793, received a miaiiimous call to settle over them in the Lord. The Rev. James Wilson was ordained as Colleague Pastor* with Mr. Snow, on the 16th of Oct., 1793. Six churches were represented in the ordaining council. The Rev. Zedekiah Sanger preached the sermon, which was published.
The great Head of the Church was pleased to add his approbation to the preaching of Mr. Wilson, 'and many were joined to the Lord. Through evil and through good report he went forward, upheld by the countenance and prayers of his brethren in the church, and the presence of his divine Master.
With characteristic energy and zeal, Mr. Wilson engaged for several years in teaching the public school ; though it may be doubted whether his people did not suffer loss by his waste of strength, and distraction of mind consequent upon such ex- hausting labors, whatever they might have gained on the score of pecuniary consideration.
September 11th, 1795, James Hammond and Wil- liam Jones were chosen members of the standing committee, to fill vacancies occasioned by the death i of Deacon Field and Joseph Martin ; at that meet-
j *" Upon the advice of the Council, the church ro-considered
i their proceedings with respect to Elder Snow, and revoked the
] votes of censure which they had before passed in relation to his
> conduct, still considering him their minister."
41
ingalso, Stephen Wardwell was elected, to fill the place of Nathaniel Jacobs, who was unable to attend regularly, on account of age and infirmity.
Influenced by a laudable public spirit, the society about this time erected a parsonage house, which the venerable pastor occupied during the period of 44 years, in which time his family passed through many changes, and experienced unparalleled trials ; but their covenant God never forsook them.
From 1799 to 1804, the church was in a lan- guishing state, iniquity abounded, the love of many waxed cold, many relapsed into sin and error. How much this state of things might have been owing to the confinement of the pastor to a school, cannot be known ; but the Lord gave his people grace to be faithful ; the exercise of discipline prepared the way for his coming to his temple. Some who once enjoyed the confidence of their brethren, and held a high place in the church, were cut off". As in the days of the Apostles, when Annanias and Sa- phira were struck dead, fear came upon many — some were led to humiliation and prayer. On the following year the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the congregation and town in a wonderful manner. So great a work had never been witnessed here be- fore. By reason of the repeated visitation of the Spirit, we may say, the church, after its reorganiza- tion in 1793, excelled the former church in glory. In the course of three months, viz., April, May and June, of that year, sixty-six persons were added to
42
this church, and during the year, near one hundred i and fifty. The blessed effects of that season of \ refreshing, are felt to this day ; a new impulse was I given to Zion, her cords were extended and her I stakes strengthened : some of the most useful mem- j bers now in the church were the7i added to it. A I mistake was made, which churches even now have I not learned to correct, that of receiving members \ without sufficient time to examine their hope. In consequence of which some fell away. About this time, the Saturday evening prayer meeting was commenced, which has been kept up to this day, giving an opportunity to the younger members of the church to improve their gifts. The presence of the Spirit has often been witnessed in these social meetings.
As the church and society increased, they found the meeting house in which they and their fathers had worshipped for more than sixty years, (and which from the time of its erection to the year 1795, was the only house for public worship on the west side of the river — in which the first College commencement was ever held in this town, attend- ed by Gov. Wanton, of Newport, the Colonial Gov- ernor, dressed in the costume of that day) — too strait for them ; the society therefore on the 17th of October, 1808, took measures for the erection of another in its place. This Avas an important step. The house was completed at the close of the year 1809, and dedicated January 1st, 1810. It reflects
43
great credit on the friends of the enterprise, and stands a monument of the liberality and public spirit of the people. It is one of the most commo- dious and tasteful houses of worship in New-Eng- land.
The church was blessed with another season of refreshing in the year 1812, which added to its strength as well as numbers. The Holy Spirit's influences seem not to have been entirely with- drawn from the ministrations of the gospel during several successive years.
In 1816, a difficulty arose in the church in con- sequence of the introduction of instrumental music into public worship, which disturbed its harmony, checked the progress of the work which had com- menced, and ended in the withdrawal of some of the most worthy members. We have no arithmetic by which to compute the evils of such contentions in the household of faith. The hands of Christ's ministers are weakened, the hearts of the righteous are made sad, while the enemies of Zion rejoice. ;
Though the face of the daughter of Zion was $ for a season covered with a cloud, yet in answer to i prayer offered by many in secret places, the Lord graciously interposed, the mourning ways of Zion j began to be crowded with worshippers, and many were heard inquiring what they mnst do to be saved. Early in the year 1819, many of the youth were gathered into the fold of Christ : the work was si- lent, but powerful. In the year 1820, a year so
44
distinguished for revivals of religion throughout the wliolc land, God appeared in his glory to build up this cluirch. Great numbers of the youth were ar- rested, convictions were pungent, the stout-hearted trembled, while the saints were greatly quickened. The work was general in all the evangelical churches in the town. Much sympathy was awa- kened, and at times perhaps there was too much ani- mal feeling. If there was any thing to regret, it was that there was not more discrimination in the examination and admission of members. It was however a glorious work ; it elevated the tone of religious feeling, and raised the standard of practi- cal holiness. Its influence was most kind and salu- tary ; it bound the church together in bonds of love, which no subsequent changes have dissolved. The sweet songs of Zion which then flowed from so many lips are yet sung with interest. Many of the converts have died in faith, and some are among the most active and efficient members of the church.
In consequence of the increase of the church, it was deemed advisable to add to the number of its officers ; accordingly at a meeting duly appointed, on the 17th of May, 1820, they elected Stephen Wardwell and William C. Snow, to the office of Deacon. In 1820. the Sabbath School connected with this church was organized.
After a gathering, there comes a sifting time ; as many of those admitted in that revival were young, when temptations were spread for their feet, they
45
returned to the world, and not a few were excluded. Though such a result was to have been expected, yet it was matter of deep regret. They who put their hand to the plough and look back, are not fit for the kingdom of heaven.
During the next ten years, very few additions were made to the church. It is painful to refer to the causes which operated to awaken prejudice in the public mind against revivals of religion. There was harmony in the church, though few came to her solemn feasts. During a part of the years 1831 and 1832, there were more additions than there had been for the eight preceding years. Special efforts were made during these years to promote the work of God ; nor were they made in vain. A new and peculiar interest was awakened in behalf of the be- nevolent institutions of the age. The church adopted the following resolutions :
Resolved, That as a church, we do highly ap- prove of such institutions as are connected with the diffusion of the Holy Scriptures, unadulterated by the doctrines of men, by the means of Bible, Tract, Sabbath School, Missionary, and other kindred as- sociations, and that we will endeavor to give them our hearty co-operation and aid, according as the Lord has communicated unto us pecuniary or moral ability."
From the date of those resolutions in 1831, the spirituality of the church increased ; identifying her interests with the spread of the gospel and the
46
extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, her sympa- thies went abroad, her views were enlarged, a holier influence was felt in her solemn assemblies ; as a natural consequence, those who were added to her communion possessed more of the Spirit of Christ. From that time the proportion of defections from the faith has sensibly diminished. Spiritual pros- perity is connected with benevolent action. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper that love thee.
In reviewing the long and eventful ministry of Mr. Wilson, who for forty-seven years stood liere as a watchman on the walls of Zion, it is necessary to take into consideration the weak and distracted state of the church when he was ordained in 1793, the men who were contemporary with him in the min- istry in other churches, and the vigorous and flour- ishing condition of the Society when he was called to his reward.
He took the oversight of this people when they were feeble and few in numbers, in consequence of the separation of a large minority, who for several years could not feel cordial to him or his people. Notwithstanding these embarrassments, he gave himself to the work of the ministry with singular devotedness. It is believed there is not an instance in New-England, where a pastor has been so little absent from his people, has preached to them so uni- formly on the Sabbath, and stood by them in all changes so steadily, as Mr. Wilson. He had vigor-
47
ous h, alth, a ready mind, a retentive memory, won- derfui power of extemporaneous preaching, so that he could give more time to pastoral duties than al- most any other man. The result was, uncommon attachment on the part of his people, regular attend- ance on his ministrations, great regard for his opin- ions. His preaching was evangelical. If his ven- erable predecessor preached the law, and searched the conscience, he preached the gospel and healed the -vv.unded spirit. He was eminently successful m winning souls to Christ. His own christian expe- rience led him to dwell upon the promises ; his de- light was to exhibit the Savior in the fullness of his grace m the tenderness of his compassion, in the power of his love— as a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. In the meridian of his life he often preaciied with great effect; he had a fine full-toned voice, a benevolent countenance, a warm heart • so that he was at times truly eloquent. He erred with his predecessor, in continuing to preach after the failure of his powers ; the respect and kindness of his people led them to bear with his infirmities, while the young for a season lost their interest iri ' his preaching. For some years, therefore, they i were .xposed to the zeal of other ministers, who j led oti many of his flock.
When he was ordained, Elder Gano, pastor of the I Fu'st Baptist Church, and Dr. Hitchcock, pastor of the Fust Congregational Church, were in full vigor. | He sustained himself by their side, secured their con- I
48
fideiicc, and had their full fellowship. They were able men, and left a deep and lasting impression U])on this community. Dr. Hitchcock was much at- tached to him, and left him at his death some valua- ble books from his library.
The successor of Dr. Hitchcock was a different man ; his end proved him unlike in all respects. As he gradually avowed erroneous sentiments, Mr. Wil- son ceased to hold fellowship with him. Attempts have been made to induce the belief that Mr. Wil- son was unsound in the faith, and that many of his church had fallen into error. There was a time when his mental and physical powers began to fail j and some designing persons took advantage of his frankness and feebleness, to unsettle his mind in re- lation to some of the great doctrines of the gospel. If in early life he had disciplined his mind by wri- ting his sermons and studying systematically the plan of truth revealed in the Bible, he would not have been exposed to such temptations. But his people promptly met these disclosures, and he as readily reviewed his course, retraced his steps, and settled down upon the foundation of the articles and covenant of the church. He was more sinned against than sinning. The constitution of the chiuch is of that broad and liberal character, it is to be expected there will be some diversity of views in the members, while the articles of faith and cov- enant are so exj)licit and orthodox, that one must be guilty of perjury to assent to them publicly, as all do
49
who join the communion, if he be essentially erro- [
neous. With a view however to guard the church I
more effectually against the intrusion of unworthy \
members, they adopted seven questions, which are I
to be submitted to every candidate, on profession or '>
by letter, before he can be received. These ques- \
tions bear upon the radical errors of the present day, \
and the distinguishing duties of christian life. More 't
recently other rules have been adopted, which em- >
body more fully the consistency and self-denial of I
the gospel. \
Mr. Wilson, in the latter part of his life, had great \
religious enjoyment. He often recm-red to the days i
of his youth, the time of his espousals to Christ ; \
his heart was tender ; the conflicts of life passed |
from his mind, and, like the patriarch, he waited for \
his change to come. My intercourse with him for I
more than two years, was pleasant and profitable, l
When he was seventy-five years of age, he con- I
sented to have a colleague. The manner in which | provision was made for his support in the decline
of life, was equally gratifying to him and creditable j
to the people. Never did an aged pastor go down I
to the grave more securely entrenched in the aftec- I
tions of his church, while to the last he gave them \
his prayers and his blessing. j
In 1835, the Rev. Cyrus Mason was invited to :;
settle among them, as colleague paster with Mr. \
Wilson. He had been for several years pastor of ^
the Cedar Street Presbyterian Church, New- York ; \
50
he came in the fullness of the blessing of the gos- pel ; his preaching was highly acceptable ; the con- I gregation increased, his prospects of usefulness were J bright; but ill health soon compelled him to resign j his charge. He remained however long enough to I leave an impression on the people ; his active mind ( and fine taste led him to project extensive repairs in this house of worship, the accomplishment of which reflect equal honor on him and the congregation. On his removal from this church, he was elected \ jjrofessor in the University of New- York, which ( olfice he continues to fill. He was graduated at Union College, Schenectady, and recently received j from Brown University the honorary degree of I Doctor of Divinity.
Doctor Mason was installed associate pastor, Oct. 7th, 1835, and dismissed by a council, September 19th, 1836.
Yom* present pastor came here in February, 1837, and was installed colleague pastor in June follow- ing. He has ever considered it a matter of thank- fulness that he possessed the entire confidence and shared the affection of his venerable father in the ministry, who died September 14th, 1839."
So that I am the third sole pastor of this people in one hundred years. Should the mantle of my predecessors fall upon me, and should my connec- tion with this church continue, but few of those I present could hope to see a successor. If it be in- ( structive to review the past, it is solemn to antici-
51
pate the future. We have reached an interesting period in our history as a church. We are gathered here to set up our memorial ; we may truly say. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. We repeat with veneration the names of the men who, in the name of their God, set up their banners here ; who avow- ed their attachment to the doctrines of the gospel ; and while others seem to boast that they '' never had a multitude of religious services, or periodical religious excitements, or any imposition of creeds or severity of discipline," or '-any one feature, speculative or practical, resembling the stern char- acter of orthodox churches," we rejoice in their firm purpose, invincible perseverence, which led to the establishment of a church which has never been without a teaching priest, stated ordinances, or the divine approbation. Oar doctrines and discipline may be called '■' stern" — they are not ours, but His who said, if any man loill he tny disciple, let him deny himself take up his cross and follow me. If it be the sternness of truth, of righteousness, v/e will bear the reproach.
Entering, as we now do, upon a new century, it behooves us to consecrate ourselves anew to the ser- vice of that God who in faithfulness led our fathers through all the trials of their way, and who will never forsake their children, if they remain steadfast in the doctrines of Christ. This is a religious act we have come to-night to perform. Let each one for himself devote all he possesses to the God of
62
his salvation. We have received a rich inheritance from our fait'icrs, in the prayers they offered, the principles they adopted, the system of truth they embraced, the rules and regulations they observed : these we are to transmit to posterity. It will de- pend upon the course we pursue, the character we maintain, the consistency we preserve, whether we secure the respect and gratitude of those who come after us. With all the advantage of the light of past experience, the study of history, the page of divine Providence, can we be so recreant to our high trust, so unmindful of our obligations, so false to our covenant vows, as to desert this standard, forsake our principles, or abandon our ground ? No. Around these altars where our fathers worshipped, standing on the spot where holy men sang and prayed, we pledge ourselves to rally under the stan- dard of evangelical truth, and by divine grace, will maintain the integrity of our creed, and perform the conditions of our covenant.
Lord God of our fathers, This day, do we, with the utmost solemnity, surrender ourselves to thee. We renounce all former lords that have had domin- ion over us ; and we consecrate to thee all that we are, and all that we have, — the faculties of our mind, the members of our body, our worldly pos- sessions, our time, and influence over others : to be used entirely for thy glory, and resolutely employed in obedience to thy commands, as long as thou con- tinuest us in life.
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
BENEFICENT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
PROVIDENCE, R. I Adopted April 25, A. D. 1793.
Article 1. The great end and design of our Blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in estab- lishing his Church on earth, appears to be the glory of God, and the common benefit of fallen, lost and sinful men, of all descriptions, tongues and lan- guages, and that there is no superiority of one mem- ber above another, either officer or private member, in respect of rights ; but all are equal. \
Art. 2. This Church is a Congregational | Church, and is independent in its government and ; discipline, and acknowledges no head or superior j but Christ alone ; and that all powers of govern- j ment, in all cases originate, and are derived from the J Church collectively, so that any powers of office I exercised in the Church, must be by the appoint- <, ment of the Church, and revocable at pleasure. j
Art. 3. The Church has a right and is compe- I tent in and of itself to choose and appoint its own ; Minister, Pastor or Elders, Deacons, and all other ] officers that they deem necessary and according '/ to the Scriptures, in order to its due organization and for the benefit of the body ; and has also a ;
54
\
right to make null and void such appointments at their plcasiu-e, whenever they judge it necessary for the good of said body, so far it respects themselves.
Art. 4, That all Questions that can possibly come before the Church, or in any wise affect the Church, must be acted on in a meeting of the Church, duly warned, in such manner as the Church shall direct ; and after being sufficiently debated, shall be determined by a majority of voices of the male members present, (excepting altering the Con- stitution, Articles of Faith and Church Covenant.) It shall be the duty of the majority to labor to gain the minority ; but if they do not succeed, it is the duty of the minority to submit, that decency, order and harmony be preserved in the Church.
Art. 5. As on the one hand we reject all worldly power and establishments, and think them detrimental to the advancement of Christ's spirit- ual kingdom, so on the other, we hold it an indis- pensable duty to seek to promote the prosperity of the civil government under which we live, and to obey its laws, so long as no laws are enacted to bind our consciences.
Art. 6. This Church professes what is com- monly called open Communion, and their Table, at the celebration of the supper of our blessed Re- deemer, is open to any person or persons who are orderly and regular Christians, arid whose Christian experience the Church, or those whom they may appoint to hear the same, are satified with.
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
Article 1. We believe in one only living and true God, Infinite, Eternal and Unchangeable in all His attributes.
Art. 2. Of the Holy Trinity we believe there are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and that these three are one.
Art. 3. We believe that God hath foreseen and permitted whatsoever comes to pass, and is the Au- thor of all Good, and will punish all Sin.
Art. 4. We believe God created our first Par- ents Righteous and Holy, and entered into a Cove- nant of Life with them, on condition of perfect obe- dience : but they being left to the freedom of their own will, ate of the forbidden fruit, by which they lost the Divine Image, defiled their whole nature, brought themselves and all their posteriy under the wrath and curse of God.
Art. 5. We believe that God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Art. 6. We believe the only Redeemer of God's elect, is the Lord Jesus Christ, who is God and
56
man in two distinct natures and one person forever, who gave himself a ransom for all, and executes his threefold office of Prophet, Priest, and King, to- wards every true believer.
Art. 7. We believe the Holy Spirit, by con- vincing of sin, and working faith in the elect, or
true believers, unites them to Christ, the true ob- ;
ject of faith, so that all those who were foreknown, I
called, justified, will be eternally glorified. |
Art. 8. We believe that every true believer is i
justified by the righteousness of Christ, received I
by faith alone, who out of Divine Grace hath fully <
satisfied Divine Justice for every believer, and made <
them joint heirs with himself in such a vital union, \ that they feel the effects of Redeeming love in their
souls, which worketh in them true repentance. j
Art. 9, We believe the Holy Scriptures are the \
only (written) rule of faith and practice. \
Art. 10. And that the Moral Law is also a rule I
of life to every believer, and according to the words ( of our Lord, that as the tree is known by its fruit,
so is every true believer known by the fruits which j he produceth.
Art. 1L We believe there are two special
signs of the covenant of grace, viz : Baptism and |
the Lord's Supper. ■
Art. 12. We believe in the Communion of all j
Saints, the Resurrection of the Body, and a Day of !
Judgment, and a future state of Rewards and Pun- \
ishments. \
COVENANT.
Art. 1. We do unfeignedly resign up ourselves to the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and avouch him this day to be our God, Father, Savior, and Leader, our portion here and forever.
Art. 2. We receive the Lord Jesus Christ, as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and will make it our great care to hold fast the doctrines of the Gos- pel as he hath taught us, viz : the doctrine of man's impotency, that by nature we are all children of wrath ; the doctrine of Justification only by Chrsit, received by Faith alone ; the doctrines of Persever- ance, Assurance, and all the doctrines of Grace con- tained in the Holy Scriptures,
Art. 3. We will labor, by the assistance of the Holy Ghost, to hold regular communion with the whole regular mystical body of Christ.
Art. 4. We do solemnly promise, by the as- sistance of the Holy Ghost, mutually to watch over one another, in all brotherly offices of love and tenderness, by reproofs and admonitions, as Christ hath enjoined us, according to our several places.
Art. 5. We purpose by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, to oppose all sin and error forbidden in the Scriptures, both in ourselves and others.
58
Art. G. Wc will by God's assistance be careful to bring up all under our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Art. 7. We will by God's assistance be careful to read the Scriptures of the old and new Testa- ment, which is the word of God, and take that to be our standing Rule, by which we are to try our spirits and regulate our lives and conversation, sub- mitting ourselves to the order and discipline of this Church in the Lord.
QUESTIONS
To he propounded to Candidates by the Committee. Adopted August, 1832.
1. Do you believe in what is commonly called the Doctrine of the Trinity, or that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost exist as the one true God ?
2. Have you any belief in what is commonly termed Unitarian sentiments, or those that deny that Jesus Christ is God ?
3. Have you any belief in the Doctrine of Uni- versal Salvation, or restoration of all mankind, with- out distinction of character in a future state ?
4. Do you agree totally to abstain from the use of ardent spirits,* except for medicinal purposes ?
5. Do you feel it your duty, in obedience to the Divine command, to observe the Sabbath day as holy time, by abstaining from all unbecoming rec- reations, journeyings, either by land or water, vain visits, or pursuing ordinary business of any kind, except in cases of necessity or acts of mercy ?
6. Do you believe it to be a duty, and will you practise family Prayer, so long as you may remain the head of a family, when health will permit ?
7. Do you believe it to be your duty to live in the daily practice of secret Prayer, by retiring alone for the special performance of this duty ?
* Amended May IS, 1S42 — Intoxicating liquors, substituted for ardent spirits.
RESOLUTIONS.
Adopted November 30, 1838.
Resolved, That it is the duty of every member of this Church, on removing from this city with the view of taking up a new residence, to take with them Letters of dismission and recommendation to other Churches in fellowship with this, near the place of their new residence ; and all members thus removinar, and neglecting to take such Letters for the term of one year after their removal, shall be reported to the Church.
Resolved, That all members of other Churches, who reside in this city and are in the habit of com- muning with this Church, shall be required to bring Letters of dismission and recommendation from the Churches where they belong, within one year from the commencement of their communing with this
Church.
[Adopted January, 1839.]
Resolved, That while the Religion we profess admits of the greatest joy and rejoicing, and in no wise denies to the Christian all that is profitable in social intercourse, or shuts him out from a partici- pation in all that can strictly be called " innocent " in amusements ; still the joy of the Christian is such as the world knows not, and cannot result from those vain amusements which the world ap- prove, and whicli give pleasure to the natural heart.
61
Nor is it consistent with the principles of the reli- gion of Christ, for its professors to indulge in any amusements or modes of spending time, which tend | to levity or thoughtlessness on religious subjects.
Resolved, That it is the duty of this Church as j a body, and of its members individually, to dis- i courage and oppose, by all proper means, the inroads | now making upon the good order and religious | character of this community ; and to encourage, by \ all proper means, a determined opposition on the \ part of Christians, to every demoralizing amuse- ment and unchristian pastime ; and 4hat one of the means placed in the hands of the Church for this purpose, is its right of discipline.
Resolved, That among the amusements of this character, this Church recognize as such, the Thea- tre, the Circus, Balls mid Dancing Parties—and as they have ever been looked upon in this light by this Church, since its re-organization, therefore any indulgence in these must be considered as a breach of covenant obligations on the part of the members of this Church, and treated accordingly.
Resolved, That as the heart is deceitful, and pro- fessing Christians are liable to be led away to in- dulge in such dangerous amusements, therefore it is their duty to make use of suitable means of grace to prevent this ; to be constant in prayer, to main- tain family devotion, to attend (when practicable) the meetings established by the church, as well on the evenings of the week as on the Sabbath— to
62
engage in Christian benevolent objects, and identi- fy themselves with these efforts by personal appli- cation and labor — and that this Church enjc ; • upon all its members not to " forsake the asseml ting of themselves together."
Resolved, That this Church disapproves "f any of its members sending their children to dancing ; schools, as being contrary to that part of their cov- enant obligations by which they have s^l^mnly agreed that they "will be careful to brin: up all under their care in the nurture and admoiaiion of the Lord."
Resolved, That this Church considers th • prac- tice of travelling by steam-boats, stages o; other conveyances, on the Sabbath, for business or plea- sure, or of visiting the Post-Office, to procure letters on business on that day, as a breach of the fourth commandment, which enjoins on all to " E ')mem- ber the Sabbath day to keep it holy ;" and if any of the members of this Church are found to be en- gaged in travelling, &c. as aforesaid, that the/ shall be dealt with as the rules of Christ's Church direct.
MINISTERS.
Rev. JOSEPH SNOW, from the original organi- zation of the Church, in 1743, to the separa- tion, in 1793. Term of ministry, 50 years.
Rev. JAMES WILSON, from the re-organization, in 1793, to his death, Sept. 14, 1839. Term of ministry, 46 years.
Rev. CYRUS MASON, from New- York, installed as Colleague Pastor with Rev. James Wil- son, 1835 ; resigned on account of ill health, 1836.
Rev. mark TUCKER, D. D., Installed June 21, 1837.
PAST DEACONS.
|
Elected. |
i |
|
|
Benjamin Cary, |
Oct. 14, 1793, |
Deceased. ^ |
|
Stephen Rawson, |
unknown. |
" > |
|
Henry Bacon, |
March 1, 1774, |
a < |
|
Joseph Fuller, |
Sept. 30, 1791, |
u < |
|
John Field, |
unknown. |
(C > |
|
James Snow, |
April 25, 1791, |
IC ] |
|
James Hammond, |
Aug. 19, 1799, |
ii < |
|
Walter Paine, |
Aug. 11, 1808, ''''^'' tbe'c^r"' '""^ \ |
|
|
John Dunwell, |
Oct. 21, 1816, |
Deceased. \ |
64
Steph'n Wardwell, May 17, 1820, Deceased. S. S. Wardwell, Feb. 19, 1840, resigned 1843, and united with the 4th Cong. Church.
OFFICIATING DEACONS.
William C. Snow, elected May 17, 1820.
Warren S. Greene, " Dec. 6, 1836.
William J. King, " Feb. 19, 1840.
Jonathan B. Nichols, " Dec. 22,. 1843.
Clerk,
WILLIAM C. SNOW.
Treasurer,
BENJAMIN DYER,.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE.
;; This Committee is composed of the Pastor and ; the four Deacons for the time being, and three mem- i bers, the latter of whom' are chosen triennially, one I of them vacating annually. The same may be re- ] chosen, at thje option of the Church.
Present Memhers^ BENJAMIN DYER, JONATHAN S. ANGELL, EZRA BOURNE.
NAMES OF RESIDENT MEMBERS,
IN THE ORDER OF ADJVIISSION.
Those whose names are marked (") are communicants who reside near the City, or are temporarily absent.
|
MALES |
. |
|
|
Names. Admitted. Remarks |
||
|
Benjamin Eddy, John Snow, |
1793 1805 |
|
|
Calvin Dean, |
u |
|
|
Ephraim Haswell, Anthony B. Arnold, John H. Greene, |
u |
|
|
William Chace, |
1807 |
|
|
Nicholas B. Gladding, |
1815 |
|
|
Hercules Whitney, Timothy Gladding, |
181G 1819 |
|
|
Cyrus Potter, |
(( |
|
|
William Russell, |
a |
|
|
Charles L. Bowler, |
(I |
|
|
William C. Snow, |
a |
|
|
Asa Bosworth, |
u |
|
|
Theodore Taylor, Pardon Clarke, |
||
|
Thomas Cory, Caleb Arnold, |
11 1830 |
|
|
James Barnes, |
u |
|
|
Joseph V. Snow, |
u |
|
|
Edward Snow, |
u |
|
|
Thomas Wilson. |
u |
6*
66
Names.
WillimTi J. King, George T. Snow, William Pabodie, Thomas Eddy, Edward 11. Young, Josepli G. vShow, Josiali Wardwell, Job An gel 1, Warren S. Greene, John Wardwell, Jonas Steere, Francis Haswell, Eaton W. Maxcy, Charles Hodges, Jonathan B. Nichols, Lewis Bosworth, Thomas J. Wardwell, Joseph B. F. Fuller, Jonathan S. Angell, Jeremia-h Boss, William H. Murray, Benjamin Dyer, Joseph Manton, Watson D. Hatch, Josiah F. Everett, Richard Daglish, James Murray, Royal P. Gladding, Carr Law ton, Rev. Mark Tucker, Samuel Reynolds, William 11. Simmons^ John Giles, Abiel Sampson, Solomon Gilbert.
Admitted.
1820
Remarks.
1821
1822 1826 1827 1829
1830
li
1831
a ii
1832
a a
1835 1836
a
1837
1837
|
1 |
67 |
• Remarks. ', |
|
|
) Names. Admitted. |
|||
|
1 Henry A. Cory, |
1S3S |
||
|
\ Benjamin T. Albro, |
1839 |
||
|
; George Drew, |
1840 |
||
|
i Increase Sumner, |
a |
||
|
Benjamin B. Dyer, |
ic |
||
|
1 Benjamin White, |
a |
||
|
I Jacob Symonds, |
a |
||
|
Edward Field, ' |
a |
||
|
i John W. Field, |
a |
; |
|
|
; Ezra Bourne, |
ic |
||
|
Homer P. Hunt, |
1841 |
||
|
Otis Wilmarth, |
li |
||
|
: Alex. J. Andrews |
a |
||
|
: George H. Nichols, |
1842 |
||
|
William H. Taylor, |
a |
, |
|
|
: George N. Gilniore, |
a |
||
|
: William W. Hoppin, |
cc |
||
|
I John B. Ames, |
i'. |
||
|
; William Woodward, |
it |
||
|
\ James Thompson, |
|||
|
Joseph McCullock, |
a |
||
|
: John Ash, |
i( |
||
|
I Joseph W. Fearing, |
li |
||
|
1 Alden Pabodie, |
Ci |
||
|
i William W. Arnold, |
(( |
||
|
i Luther Ainsworth. |
li |
||
|
; Richard M. Snow, |
11 |
||
|
; George Allen Snow, |
11 |
||
|
1 Benjamin Hoppin, |
11 |
' |
|
|
1 William Montgomery, |
11 |
||
|
1 Samuel W. Hubbard, |
11 |
||
|
1 Benjamin M. Jackson, |
11 |
||
|
Robert Hays, |
11 |
||
|
George W, Crocker, |
" |
||
|
1 Elisha S. Evans, |
i- |
68
Names.
Charles Albert Snow, LaFayctte Burr, William W. Crandell, Jonathan Leonard, George AV. Arnold. Charles Seagur, Joseph Forkey, John Toy, James Manchester,
No Ji- Residents. Joseph Wheelock, Philo B. Cooke, James W. Paine, Samuel Gritman, George S. Tapley, George W. Murray, Edward Fowler, Albert G. Catlin,
Admitted
1842
1843
1844
u
1805 1832 1837 1839 1840 1842 1842 1844
Remarks.
|
I FEMALES. j |
||
|
Members who change names |
by marriage, or who remove from \ |
|
|
the City, should give early notice of it to the Pastor, or some ' |
||
|
Deacon of the Church. |
||
|
Names. Admitted. Remarks. ! |
||
|
Zerviah C. Staples, |
1793 |
wid'w of Sm'l Staples ; |
|
Sarah Eddy, |
u |
wife of Benj. Eddy • |
|
Lydia Brancli, |
u |
; |
|
Mary Hoppin, |
1795 |
wid'w of Benj. Hoppin : |
|
Rhoda Taylor, |
a |
wid'w of Rob't Taylor ; |
|
Mary Walker, |
1801 |
wid'w of N. Walker : |
|
Mary Jones, |
u |
widow of John Jones : |
|
Freelove Simmons, |
1804 |
wife of S. Simmons |
|
Mary Bowers, |
1805 |
widow of L. Bowers ' |
|
Mary Cory, |
u |
wife of Caleb Cory : |
|
Sybil Dyer, |
a |
widow of Olney Dyer |
|
Hannah Burr, |
a |
widow of James Burr ; |
|
Susannah Perrin, |
u |
|
|
Hannah Snow, |
iC |
wife of Thos. Snow |
|
Mary Erownell, |
a |
widow of I. Brownell '■ |
|
Phebe Greene, |
11 |
wife of J. F. Greene ' |
|
Abagail Dean, |
a |
1 |
|
Wealthan Lindsey, |
u |
I |
|
Ann Warner, |
a |
widow of H. Warner ; |
|
Sarah Remington, |
li |
; |
|
Elizabeth Gladding, |
1806 |
wife of T. Gladding ; |
|
Susannah Manton, |
1808 |
widow of 0. Manton ; |
|
Isabella Henry, |
u |
widow of Alex. Henry < |
|
Freelove Dyer, |
1810 |
< |
|
Sarah Hammond, |
u |
wid'w of J. Hammond ; |
|
Sarah Gladding, |
a |
) |
|
: Anstis Elderkin,* |
a |
wid'w of E. Elderkin i |
|
: Elizabeth Merriwether, |
1812 |
wf of W. Merriwether | |
70
Names.
Faimy Allen, Elizabeth Farnum, Betsey Hunt, Ann M. Tillinghast, Mary A. Field, Sally S. Prentice, Susannah Harrington, Abby W. Potter, Lydia Crapon, Cerene Putter, Sarah Field, Mary Greene,* Sarah T. Bosworth, Abigail Cooley, Mary Rhodes, Martha Wiiitney, Achsah Snow, Francis Gramont, Rebecca Y. Gladding, Clarissa Gulliver, Mary Ann Fillmore, Betsey Bosworth, Rebecca S. Russell, Mary M. Wilson, Sarah Cory, Jane Pabodie, Martha Billings, Betsey Barton, Narcissa Snow, Sarah Mumford, Almira Miller, Frances Dyer, Lydia Rhodes, Abby Greene, Nancy King,
Admitted.
Remarks.
1812 widow of Sam'l Allen widow of D. Farnum wife of Samuel Hunt wife of J. Tillinghast widow of S. Field wife of John Prentice wife of T. Harrington wid' w of Philip Potter widow of D. Crapon widow of C. Potter 2d wife of Benj. Field
fe of Jolin Greene, Warwick.
wife of S. Bosworth wife of F. Cooley widow of F. Rhodes wife of H. Whitney wife of Sam'l Snow
wife of N.B. Gladding
wife of Jesse Fillmore wife of Asa Bosworth wife of Wm. Russell widow of John Wilson wife of Thos. Cory wife of Wm. Pabodie wife of Wm. Billings
wife of Wm. C. Snow wife of Jas. Mumford wife of John Miller wife of Elisha Dyer widow of T. Rhodes wife of Wm.F. Greene widow of Elijah King
1813
1814 1815
a
1816
|
[ |
71 |
\ |
|
\ Names. Admitted. Remarks. \ |
||
|
Sarah Child, |
1817 |
wife of Griffin Child |
|
Martha Frost, |
a |
widow of E. R. Frost |
|
Elizabeth Jackson, |
u |
widow of S. Jackson | |
|
1 Polly Jackson, |
a |
1 |
|
Abigail Philbrook, |
1819 |
widow of T.Philbrook \ |
|
1 Hannah G. Bowler, |
ii |
Avife of C. L. Bowler |
|
Amy H. Hoppin,* |
a |
widow of H. Hoppin |
|
Mary M. Gray, |
li |
widow of Rob't Gray { |
|
Anstis Randall, |
a |
|
|
Judith Paul, |
li |
i |
|
Rebecca Taylor, |
u |
widow of G. Taylor I |
|
Mary A. Potter, |
u |
wife of Cyrus P. tter | |
|
Susan Aborn, |
ii |
widow of Edw. Aborn |
|
1 Hannah Dyer, |
a |
wife of Charles Dyer |
|
Abigail Fuller, |
a |
widow of Dr. J. Fuller \ |
|
1 Sarah Clarke,* |
a |
widow of Thos.Clarke |
|
; Elizabeth Prentice, |
a |
widow of T. Prt' itice |
|
< Eliza Battey, |
a |
widow of S. Batiey |
|
1 Betsey Snow, |
a |
|
|
! Maria D. Henry, |
a |
widow of Wm. Kenry |
|
; Persis Barton, |
ii |
|
|
; Abigail Williams, |
a |
widow of C. Williams |
|
i Elizabeth Covil, |
ii |
J |
|
; Mary Potter, |
ii |
widow of S. Potter < |
|
; Hannah Crapon, |
1820 |
widow of S. Craj-.on \ |
|
: Rachel Clarke, |
ii |
wife of Pardon < iarke | |
|
: Lydia Davis, |
a |
wife of Robert Davis |
|
i Rosannah Saxe, |
ii |
|
|
'■ Sophia Hall, |
ii |
|
|
'• Esther Burton,* |
ii |
1 |
|
: Hannah Martin, |
ii |
wife of J. H. M:irtin \ |
|
: Alice B. Snow, |
ii |
wife of G. T. Snow \ |
|
Sophia Taylor, |
a |
wife of T. Tayi'H- j |
|
: Julia G. White, |
a |
wife of Benj. W liite I |
|
Esther Covil, |
a |
1 |
72
Names- Mary A. Greene, Eliza Snow, Dorcas Ward well, Harriet Horton, Sarah (j. Wardwell, Louisa Manton, Nancy Greene, Ann W. Philbrook, Lydia G. Wardwell, Mcliscent P. Cory, Mary Ainsworth, Rebecca Read, Ann Holden, Naomi Pabodie, Eliza Maxcy, Mary B. Hidden, Hannah B. Potter, Abby Greene, Mary K. Hoppin,* Susan Moore, Mary Ann Nichols, Emily Coggeshall, Julia Ann Hodges, Martha Barstow, Ann Gould, Sarah 4nn Bosworth. Eliza Mitchell, Abby B. Martin, Elizabeth Wardwell, Ruth Fenner, Mary Troscott, Esther A. Dorcas Arnold, Frances E. Stead; Anstis Manton,
Ingalls,
Admitted. Remarks.
1820 wife of W. S. Greene wife of R. M. Snow wife of John Ward well wife of S. Horton wf. of Josiah Ward well widow of E. Manton widow of H. A.Greene
wife of T.J. Wardwell wife of Edward Cory wife of L. Ainsworth wife of David Read wife of C. Holden 2d wife of Alden Pabodie wife of E. W. Maxcy
1821
1822
1826
1827 (.'
II
a
1828
widow of Wm. Potter wife of Duty Greene wid'wofG.W.Hoppin widow of J. Moore wife of J. B. Nichols wife of C. Coggeshall wife of Chas. Hodges wife of Nath'l Barstow wife of J. C. Gould wife of L. Bosworth wife of Edw. Mitchell widow of J. S, Martin
)w ol Dcacnn Stephen Wardwell.
wife of Daniel Fenner wife of Wm. Trcscott
Avife of Wm. W.Arnold wife of Thos. J. Stead widow of S. Manton
73
Names.
Harriet Thomas, Nancy L. Sumner, Loraine Tyler, Deborah K. Taft, Ann Frances Manton, Mary Knight, Mary Spragiie, Amey H. Angell, Margaret Mercereaii, Sarah S. Wood, Ann Murray, Charlotte C. Taber, Mary Ann Stetson, Sarah T. Munroe, Frances H. Wheeler, Mehitable Potter, Martha M. Horton, Elizabeth A. Aborn, Hannah R. A'born, Adela C. Padelford, Phebe C. Crocker, Frances G. Cutler,* Abby P. Arnold, Frances M. Aborii, Anna HawkeSj* Sarah Bradley, Susan Ann Mumford,* Zelinda Matteson, Mary Ann Everett, Rebecca M. Gladding, Alice A. Field, Eliza W. Taylor, Mary O. Thomas, Lydia Crandell, Elizabeth Pitts,
Admitted.
Remarks.
1828 Avidow of B. Thomas wife of L Sumner
1829 widow of S. Tyler wife of Orray Taft wife of Jos, Manton
wife of Knight
wife of T. Sprague
1830 wife of J. S. Angell
wife of Wm. H.Murray wife of Wm. Taber widow of D. Stetson wid'w of W.C. Munroe wife of G.W. Wheeler wife of Phineas Potter
1831
1832
1833
wid. of E.N. Padelford wife of G. W. Crocker wifeofS.B. Cutler wife of A. B. Arnold
widow
wife of C. S. Bradley
wife of H. A. Matteson wife of J. F. Everett wid. of G.W. Gladding wife of Edward Field
wife of Lewis Thomas wife of Wm. Crandell
74
Names.
Lucy S. Lawton, Phelic Ann Babcock, Elizabeth Taylor, Martlia Wardwell, Mary McComb, Lydia R. Dawson, Esther 1). Rathbone, Sarah B. Murray, Sarah C. Haynes, Mary H. (jlladding, Caroline W. Gladding, Martha E. Billings, Elizabeth B. Seymour. Phebe Ann Millard, Lydia C. King, Frances A. Hoppin, Eliza H. Blanchard, Sarah Whipple, Zerviah Arnold, Maria Bourne, Mary Brightman, Rebecca F. Price, Jane Ogden, Susan Spooner, Mary Bo wen, Mary Ann Smith, Mary E. Smith, Abby W. Robinson, Sarah Reynolds, Melinda Bryant, Clarissa Potter, Susan P. Gladding, Mary S. Bosworth, Sarah T. Bosworth, Sarah Aborn,
Admitted. Remarks.
1833|wife of Carr Lawton widow (colored) widow (colored) " iwid'wof J. Wardwell,
1834 wife of S. McComb, wid. of T. R. Dawson wife of G.S. Rathbone
1835
1836
cc
1837
wife of P. H. Seymour
wife of Wm. J. King wife of W. W. Hoppin
widow of J. Whipple widow of S. Arnold wife of Ezra Bourne
wid'w of T. Bowen wife of A. Smith wife of S. Reynolds
widow of L. Aborn
75
|
Names. Admitted. Remarks. |
||
|
Sylvania Simmons, |
1837 |
wf. of W. H. Simmons |
|
Mary Tillinghast, |
u |
wid. of W. Tillinghast |
|
Mary P. Arnold, |
a |
wife of G. W. Arnold |
|
Betsey R. Remington, |
a |
wife of D. Remington |
|
Phebe Andrews, |
1838 |
widow of D. Andrews |
|
Eliza T. Wayman,* |
a |
widow |
|
Rhoda B. Curtis, |
u |
wife of T. Curtis |
|
Anstis Snow, |
a |
widow of Benj. Snow |
|
Maria G. Barker, |
a |
wife of Hiram Barker |
|
Eliza Woods, |
u |
wife of A. Woods |
|
Mary Arnold, |
ic |
wife of Geo. Arnold |
|
Mary L. Mathewson,* |
u |
wid'w of J. Mathewson |
|
Mary Ann McNeal, |
u |
|
|
Sarah Ann Aldrich, |
u |
wife of Rob't Aldrich |
|
Mary AugnstaVan Orden |
il |
|
|
Nancy W. Lippitt, |
ii |
|
|
Mary Ann Briggs, |
u |
|
|
Dolly D. Cooper, |
ii |
|
|
Orphelia Fisher, |
ii |
wife of Doct. Fisher |
|
Abigail At wood, |
ii |
widow of D. Atwood |
|
Celia Knight Bixby, |
1839 |
widow |
|
Maria Giles, |
u |
wife of John Giles |
|
Elizabeth K. Rice, |
ii |
wife of Dan'l Rice |
|
Almira D. Gladding, |
ii |
|
|
Ruth A. Simmons, |
ii |
|
|
Susan B. Wyatt, |
1840 |
|
|
Elizabeth Chapin, |
a |
widow of J. Chapin |
Cinderilla Briggs, Lydia Sheldon, Martha Y. Tucker, Roby P. Eddy, Harriet S. Dyer, Emeline Symonds, Amanda L. Wilmarth, Mary Eliza Kendall,
widow of A. Briggs wife of T. Sheldon
wife of Thos. Eddy wife of Benj. Dyer wife of J. Symonds
Avife of Geo. Kendall
76
Names.
LydiaAniiY. Gladdin Ann Brown, Sarah T. Washburn, Phebc Dean, Jcrusha Field, Jiydia Saunders,* Mary W. Thurber, Sarah F. Vaughn, Sarah S. Vaughn, Sarah E. Williams,* Mary Fearing, Loraine Carrington, Sarah Barker, Phebe J. SampsoUj Almira W. Moore, Lydia Ann Albro, Elizabeth Marsh, Agnes Toy, Elizabeth Van Amring Sarah Graham, Elizabeth Graham, Nancy Ash, Mary Hunt, Amelia Andrews, Hetty Munroe, Martha Ash, Elizabeth Tucker, Adeline E. Wheeler, Mary Ann Simmons, Elizabeth V. Murray, Mary B. Taft, Amelia Frances Potter Amelia H. Snow, Mary Brown, Nancy Dalglish,
Admitted.
g, 1840
Remarks.
1841
1842
wid. of C.S.Washburn widow of James Dean wife of J. W. Field wife of I. Saunders
wife of W. Vaughn
(colored)
wid. of E. Carrington
wife of Abiel Sampson wife of Joseph Moore wife of B. T. Albro wife of John Marsh
wife of Henry Graham
wife of John Ash wife of H. P. Hunt wife of A. J. Andrews wife of John Munroe
wife of Edw. A. Taft,
I wife of R. Dalglish.
77
Names.
Catharine Daley, Nancy Simmons, [•Eliza Tyler, Harriet F. Ames, Margaret Ash, Caroline C. Simmons, Mary Wheeler, Adeline M. Young, Almira J. Wardwell, Zipporah B. Cory, Emily C. Cory, Eliza S. Hartshorn, Mary C. Tillinghast, Mary Ann Montgomery Elizabeth Thompson, Amanda M. Godfrey, Susan F. Williams, Frances Barnes, Phebe P. Jackson, Sarah Hayes, Ann Eliza Gladding, Sarah Ann Gilmore, Elizabeth W. BrownelL Mary Ann McMichael, Nancy C. Peck, Nancy McKeown, Jane T. Washburn, Lydia Saunders, Abby L. Andrews, Martha Leonard, Mary Eliza Leonard, Julia A. Leonard, Harriet N. Leonard, Charlotte P. Leonard, Nancy Andrews,
Admitted. Remarks.
1842^
" (Widow of S. Simmons wife of Edw.M. Tyler wife of John B. Ames
1843
wife of H. A. Cory
wf. of W.Montgomery wife of J. Thompson
wife of E. S. Williams Avife of James Barnes wife of B. M. Jackson wife of Robert Hayes
wife of G. N. Gilmore wid. of T. Brownell
widow
wf. of Jnoa. Leonard
widow of J. Andrews
|
78 1 |
||
|
1 Names. Admitted. Remarks. ^ |
||
|
: Hannah P. Hoppin, |
1843 |
wife of Benj. Hoppin I |
|
Eliza D. Tucker, |
a |
wf. of Re V.M.Tucker |
|
: Sarah Soagur, |
c |
widow of .H Seagur |
|
'■ Sarah Seagur, |
a |
|
|
; Mary Forkey, |
1844 |
wife of Joseph Forkey | |
|
i Caroline B. Hatch, |
u |
wife of W. D. Hatch |
|
: Sarah Graham, |
li |
|
|
Sarah Evans, |
u |
wife of E. S. Evans |
|
; Harriet L. Manchester, |
ii |
wife of J. Manchester |
|
; Amelia Frances Dyer, |
u |
|
|
; Cornelia B. Crapon, |
iC |
|
|
1 Amey A. Waterman, |
a. |
|
|
Esther D. R. Dyer, |
li |
|
|
1 No7i- Residents. |
< |
|
|
1 Amelia Wheelock, |
1810 |
wife of J. Wheelock j |
|
Lucina Stone, |
1818 |
wife of Henry Stone | |
|
Mary Ann Thurber, |
1829 |
\ |
|
j Amey Winsor, |
1836 |
wife of Ab'm Winsor i |
|
I Mary Elizabeth Paine, |
1837 |
wife of James Paine ; |
|
1 Diadama Fowler, i |
1842 |
wife of Edw. Fowler i |
|
■ |
• |
|
MEMBERS |
DECEASED SINCE MALES. |
1793. |
|||
|
\ |
Admit |
Decea- |
Admil- Dccea- ' |
||
|
s |
led. |
sed. |
ted. sed. , |
||
|
? Nathaniel Jacobs, |
1793 |
1807 |
Rev. John Joice, |
1808 |
1834 |
|
1 Daniel Branch, |
ic |
'1804 |
John Chace, |
1810 |
1821 |
|
\ John Field, |
u |
{1794 |
Jeremiah Manton, |
lilO |
1843 |
|
I James Snow, |
(( |
11812 |
Harvey Abbott, |
1811 |
1820 1 |
|
1 Joseph Martin, |
(( |
1794 |
Joseph Cheney, |
1811 |
uDkn'n ( |
|
< Thomas Jones, |
(C |
1815 |
Oliver Kendall, |
1812 |
1843 i |
|
5 Ephraim Walker, |
(t |
1815 |
John R. Carpenter, |
1816 |
1827 |
|
> Benjamin Hoppin, |
(( |
1809 |
John Garrickson, |
1817 |
1818 : |
|
1 Samuel ProuJ, |
(( |
1835 |
Rev. Robert Arnold, |
1818 |
1828 |
|
1 Stephen Ward well, |
(( |
1339 |
Thomas Clarke, |
1819 |
18.37 |
|
\ Daniel Snow, |
(( |
1836 |
George W. Gladding, |
(1 |
1839 |
|
Nath'I Fuller, |
(t |
1843 |
Thomas Philbrook, |
u |
1841 |
|
Nath'l Walker, |
(C |
1824 |
Dr. Jacob Fuller, |
(1 |
1839 |
|
\ Wilson Jacobs, |
(C |
u.ika'n |
Jacob French, |
1820 |
1821 ] |
|
1 Joseph Field, |
u |
1826 |
Zachariah Eddy, |
^^ |
unlLo'a 1 |
|
1 Joseph Potter, |
(t |
1331 |
Simeon Field, |
(1 |
1834 ! |
|
< James Hammond, |
(( |
1831 |
David Cady, |
(1 |
1840 < |
|
s Rev. James Wilson, |
cc |
1339 |
Edward Cory, |
t( |
1835 i |
|
1 John Perrin, |
1794 |
1842 |
Henry Wilson, |
(1 |
1820 |
|
1 John Pitcher, |
(( |
1820 |
Daniel Crapon, |
(1 |
1838 |
|
< William Jones, |
(( |
1822 |
Thomas J. Earle, |
(( |
1826 |
|
1 William Bradford, |
1796 |
1836; Daniel S. Lawrence, |
(( |
1828 |
|
|
> John Hoppin, |
1796 |
1799 1 James Burnet, |
(< |
1824 |
|
|
I John Field, |
(( |
1811 |
George E. Simmons, |
(C |
1829 |
|
> Chauncy Cooley, |
1800 |
1821 |
Darius Thurber, |
(( |
1828 |
|
I John Dunwell, |
1801 |
1835 |
Solomon Tyler, |
(1 |
1828 |
|
1 Thomas Jones, Jr. |
1802 |
1836 |
Edward D. Crapon, |
(( |
1822 |
|
J Stephen W. Snow, |
1805 |
1818 |
Robert Murray, |
(( |
1830 |
|
i John Wallen, |
(( |
1322 |
Joseph Bowen, Jr. |
1821 |
1831 |
|
j Royal Paine, |
(C |
1816 |
Ebenezer N.Padelford |
1822 |
1844 |
|
; Olney Dyer, |
11 |
1840 |
Joseph S. Martin, |
1822 |
1836 |
|
; Henry Hoppin, |
(C |
1835 |
Sheldon Battey, |
1825 |
1842 |
|
1 Benjamin Talbot, |
(C |
1805 |
John J. Gladding, |
1831 |
1841 |
|
> Wm. Hartshorn, |
u |
1810 |
Thomas Bowen, |
1832 |
1844 |
|
; Joseph Rawson, |
(( |
1835 |
Isaac Brownell, |
1334 |
1841 |
|
; Thomas Rhodes, |
(C |
1834 |
Benj. Otis Gladding, |
1837 |
1843 |
|
I Barnabas Steere, |
1806 |
1810| |
George L. Waters, |
1840 |
1842 |
|
; John I. Smith, |
1807 |
1830 |
Charles Patton, |
1842 |
1843 |
80
FEMALES
Lucy Totter, Abigail Potter, Priscilla Fuller, Sarah Field, Anna Hoppin, Ljdia Giddings, Martha Burroughs, Abigail Spencer, Catiiarine Donnison, Anna Ormsbee, Esther Jones, Rachel Snov, INIary Eddy, Lydia Brown, RIary Wilson, Lydia Field, Ann Jones, Elizabeth Jones, Mary Williams, Eunice Hammond, Anna Williams, Abigail Chace, Susannah Anthony, Lydia Turpin, ftiargaret Leland, Marcy Jacol)s, Elizabeth Tiafton, Ilhoda Albro, Mary Farnum, lloxanna Cooley, Hannah Aborn, Sarah Fenton, Mary Walsh, Rachel Anthony, Jane Freeman, Abigail Potter, Roby Williams, Mary Gladding, Sarah Peck, Rebecca Peck, Nancy King, Martha Field, Betsey King, Hannah Dyer, Elsy Smilli,
|
\Am\\- |
Dl'CtR- |
Admit- |
Dfcta- |
|
|
Icil. sell. |
ted, std. |
|||
|
1793 |
1819 |
Esther Dean |
1805 |
1817 |
|
(« |
1S28 |
Ann Mumford, |
(C |
1826 |
|
(( |
1815 |
Anstis Peck, |
(( |
1811 |
|
(( |
1795 |
Sarah Adams, |
u |
1807 |
|
<( |
1794 |
Rebecca Wood, |
(( |
1807 |
|
(1 |
18-^6 |
Rebecca Morse, |
<( |
1812 |
|
K |
1811 |
Marcy Haswell, |
(( |
1825 |
|
(1 |
1822 |
Rebecca Potter, |
a |
1807 |
|
U |
1803 |
Sarah Bosworth, |
u |
1827 |
|
U |
1802 |
Sarah D. Thomas, |
(1 |
1844 |
|
l( |
1834 |
Sarah Manton, |
(1 |
1808 |
|
11 |
1831 |
Sarah Dyer, |
(( |
1S41 |
|
(( |
1826 |
Elizabeth Rawson, |
i( |
1843 |
|
It |
1806 |
Rebecca Adams, |
(( |
1807 |
|
(< |
1832 |
Susan Willard, |
1806 |
1814 |
|
(C |
1811 |
Ann Peckham, |
1806 |
1816 |
|
1794 |
1832 |
Lydia Paine, |
1807 |
1816 |
|
(( |
1812 |
Elizabeth Beverly, |
1808 |
1827 |
|
(( |
unkn'n |
Sarah Field, |
1808 |
1827 |
|
11 |
1803 |
Elizabeth Dunwell, |
1809 |
1817 |
|
C( |
unkn'n |
Elizabeth Harris, |
1810 |
1812 |
|
1795 |
1827 |
Elizabeth Jones, |
(( |
1843 |
|
1795 |
1814 |
Lydia Drown, |
(( |
1839 |
|
1796 |
1843 |
Mary Anstis Manton, |
u |
1833 |
|
1797 |
1804 |
Clarissa Richmond, |
1811 |
1832 |
|
1797 |
1823 |
Ann Maria Lippitt, |
11 |
1812 |
|
1798 |
1798 |
Mary Potter, |
11 |
1818 |
|
Cl |
unknn |
Martha Eddy, |
(1 |
1820 |
|
(( |
iinkn'a |
Mary Pettis, |
1812 |
unkn'n |
|
(1 |
1838 |
Elizabeth Briggs, |
11 |
1822 |
|
1801 |
unkn'n |
Lydia S. Manchester, |
11 |
1831 |
|
(I |
1803 |
Betsey Barrett, |
11 |
1831 |
|
(1 |
1810 |
Harriet Jones, |
tc |
1817 |
|
1802 |
1820 |
Betsey Snow, |
11 |
1838 |
|
11 |
1829 |
Susannah Mumford, |
11 |
1839 |
|
(1 |
1805 |
Sophia Barstow, |
11 |
1817 |
|
1805 |
1810 |
Susannali Colvin, |
II |
1840 |
|
(( |
1811 |
Kcziah Greenwood, |
11 |
1814 |
|
(C |
1845 |
Betsey Young, |
11 |
1822 |
|
(1 |
1824 |
Sarah Murray, |
1813 |
1820 |
|
" |
1806 |
Phcbe Clcmmons, |
1813 |
1822 |
|
(1 |
ison |
Nancy Lang, |
1814 |
u.kn'n |
|
(( |
182.-< |
Ruth Jones, |
1814 |
1825 |
|
l( |
1815 |
Phebe Gulliver, |
1815 |
1339 |
|
l( |
1835 |
Betsey Young, |
11 |
unku'n |
81
|
Admit- |
Decea- |
|
|
ted- sed. |
||
|
Hannah Hamilton, |
1815 |
1335 |
|
Mary Ann Brown, |
(( |
1336 |
|
Hannah Dabney, |
(( |
1836 |
|
Sarah Carpenter, |
1816 |
1833 |
|
Rhoda Nelson, |
(( |
uiikii'n |
|
Abigail Lawrence, |
u |
nnkn'o |
|
Sarah Langley, |
(( |
1827 |
|
Ann Child, |
(C |
1816 |
|
Lucinda Wetherby, |
l( |
1325 |
|
Sarah Franklin, |
(( |
1827 |
|
Betsey Jones, |
(( |
uukun |
|
Elizabeth Burnett, |
(( |
1822 |
|
Eliza Fenner, |
1817 |
I8i8 |
|
Mary Fuller, |
u |
1825 |
|
Amey Letherby, |
(( |
1842 |
|
Letitia Aldrich, |
1819 |
1831 |
|
Eliza Arnold, |
u |
1840 |
|
Eleanor Clarke, |
(C |
1837 |
|
Abigail Lane, |
(( |
1828 |
|
Mary Manton, |
u |
1632 |
|
Mary Wardwell, |
(( |
1625 |
|
Sarah Westcott, |
(1 |
1842 |
|
Mary Bates, |
IC |
1820 |
|
Sarah Price, |
(( |
1830 |
|
Elizabeth McNeal, |
•( |
1821 |
|
Elizabeth Anthony, |
(( |
1819 |
|
Eveline Sprague, |
1820 |
1830 |
|
Sarah Martin, |
(1 |
1838 |
|
Boxannah Cady, |
(C |
1821 |
|
Cyntha Pabodie, |
(( |
1820 |
|
Amelia Snow, |
(( |
1824 |
|
Abby Earle, |
(( |
1831 |
|
Sylvania Watson, |
u |
1831 |
|
Betsy Valentine, |
(( |
1825 |
|
Julia Aborn, |
(( |
1S35 |
|
Hannah E. Taylor, |
tc |
1837 |
|
Ann Eliza Eddy, |
u |
1823 |
|
Emma Wheeler, |
C( |
1823 |
Mary Gladding, 1820 Parthenia Turpin, Celia Tingley, Nancy Waterman, Waitstill Woodman, Mary Eliza Rhodes, Nancy Noble, Harriet Hathaway, Mary Ann Chapin,
Betsey Ingalls, 1821 Nancy Harding, Amelia Dyer,
Mary Greene, 1822
Rebecca Fearing, 1822
Emily M. Earle, 1823
Lydia Black, 1825
Mary E. Angell, 1825
Abigail Northup, 1826
Ann Perrin, 1827
Lydia Adams, , 1828
Ann M. Lawrence, 1829
Eliza Jennings, 1829
Adeline Murray, 1830
Charlotte Hull, 1831
Marcy Murray, 1331 Sarah C. Cleaveland, 1831
Mary G. Holmes, 11832
Patience Hatch, 1832
Hannah Brown, 1833
Sarah Waterman, 1836
Harriet S. Tucker, 1837
Lydia Gilbert, 1838
Elizabeth Pierce, 1833
Jane Gladding, 1839
Harriet Adie Dyer, 1839
Catharine Waters, 1840 AbbyCahoone Marsh, 1841
Isabella Graham, 1844
1828 1833 1822 1821 1322 1322 1839 1822 1825 1839 1828 1840 1340 1837 1844 1829 1827 1843 1844 1837 1837 1832 1839 1841 1835 1835 1842 1843 1835 1844 1841 1840 1844 1840 1840 1842 1844 1844
|
82 |
ED. |
|
WHOLE NUMBER DECEASl |
|
|
Males, ..... |
76 |
|
166 |
|
|
Total, .... |
242 1 1 |
|
NAMES OMITTED, viz: |
\ |
|
; Members dismissed by Letters to other Churches, < |
|
|
i or lost their connection with the Churchj by long j |
|
|
absence, since the 19th of July, 1793 :— |
\ |
|
1 Males, ..... |
53 \ |
|
1 Females, ..... |
152 1 |
|
Total, .... |
205 |
|
Members lost their connection by |
Discipline, |
|
since 1793 : |
|
|
i Males, ..... |
62 |
|
1 Females, ..... |
50 1 |
|
Total, .... |
112 |
|
Whole number of members admitted, |
> since July, \ |
|
1793: |
|
|
Males, ..... |
319 1 |
|
Females, ..... |
709 |
|
Total, .... |
1028 |
83
MONTHLY COLLECTIONS AND OBJECTS.
January,
February,
March,
April,
May,
June,
July,
August,
September, Home Missions,
October, R. I. Sunday School Union,
November, Bible Society,
December,
Foreign Missions, Tract Society,
American Education Society, " Sunday School Union, " Seamen's Friend Society,
Annual Meeting of the Church, 2d Wednesday of November. Quarterly Meetings, 2d Wednes- days of February, May and August.
SABBATH SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Wm. C. Snow, Anthony B. Arnold. Warren S. Greene,
Wm. J. King, John Wardwell, Benjamin Dyer,
Wm. J. King, Superintendant. Benjamin White, Secretary.
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Committee of Direction for the Beneficent Li- brary— the Standing Committee of the Church, and Anthony B. Arnold.
Librarian, ANTHONY B. ARNOLD.
SOCIETIES.
Beneficent Library, organized 1806
Beneficent Female Association, " 1816
Juvenile Female Association, " 1819
Brothers' Charitable Society, " 1820
Female Prayer Society, " 1820
Sunday School, " 1820
F-emale Samaritan Society, " 1823
Charitable Knitting Society, '' 1830
Maternal Association, " 1835
Young Ladies' Sewing Circle, " 1845
^._^ MAY 7 5
^(^^ N. MANCHESTER. INDIANA